Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, NY2LA Sports reveals our preseason top five teams in Division 3
1. Lake Mills
2023-24 Record: 23-4
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Lakeside Lutheran in sectional semifinals
Key Losses: Matthew Stenbroten (6.6 ppg)
This thing has been building for a few years now. Lake Mills has as talented of a core as anyone in Division 3 and their top four scorers are back from last season. Reining Capitol North Player of the Year, A.J. Bender (22.0 ppg), leads the way. He’ll have plenty of support in the sharpshooting Brady Benish (12.1 ppg). Look for a breakout season from sophomore Tyler Wollin (11.4 ppg), who should emerge as the Robin to Bender’s Batman. I also like teams who have a chip on their shoulder. The L-Cats were knocked out early in the playoffs by Lakeside Lutheran each of the past two seasons.
2. Milwaukee Academy of Science
2023-24 Record: 18-8
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to St. Thomas More in the sectional semifinals
Key Losses: Devin Brown (20.3 ppg).
With Brown moving to Overtime Elite, Milwaukee Academy of Science slides down the list a bit. There’s still plenty in the cupboard as Iowa State commit Jamarion Batemon (21.4 ppg) is not only one of the best shooters in the state, but best two-way players as well. A top five junior in Deuce Burkes (8.1 ppg) is back, as are seniors Agape Keys Jr. (11.6 ppg) and Amare Jackson (8.4 ppg) giving the Novas arguably the best roster in Division 3.
3. Lakeside Lutheran
2023-24 Record: 27-3
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Lakeside Lutheran in the state championship game
Key Losses: Kooper Mlsna (11.2 ppg)
After a somewhat surprising run to the state title game in 2023-24, Lakeside Lutheran could be poised for a return this winter. Double-double machine Wes Rahn (16.5 ppg) is back for his junior season and is coming off a terrific summer. Senior Kaycee Guzman (14.8 ppg) gives the Warriors a nice 1-2 punch. This team was on fire down the stretch, winning 12 consecutive games before falling to St. Thomas More, including a pair of wins over Capitol North champion Lake Mills.
4. Freedom
2023-24 Record: 23-5
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Kiel in the sectional finals
Key Losses: Ashton Peterson (12.8 ppg)
The Irish were one of the state’s most surprising teams in 2023-24. A big reason why? Sophomore Donovan Davis (17.7 ppg). Over the summer, we saw Davis’s confidence begin to skyrocket as he could be in store for a special year two. His running mate, senior Drew Kortz (14.7 ppg), is back and has proven to be a reliable scorer as well. This group won’t be as deep as they were a year ago, but they should be better at the top.
5. Dominican
2023-24 Record: 22-4
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Carmen NW in the regional finals
Key Losses: Jaiden Martin (18.6 ppg), Markel Webb (15.6 ppg), Derrick Johnson (13.6 ppg)
There’s no question the Knights have some huge losses to overcome. A lot of their confidence to stay among the top teams in Division 3 relies on Aaron Womack (21.9 ppg), who’s gotten substantially better, even after a huge junior season. Sophomore Zaihir Jones (8.2 ppg) should also take some big steps forward and take some of the load off Womack.