NY2LA Sports releases our top five teams in Division 2 ahead of the 2024-25 season…
1. Whitnall
2023-24 Record: 19-7
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Wisconsin Lutheran in Regional Finals
Key Losses: Brody Parkinson (10.2 ppg)
Division 2 has been depleted with transfers and attrition. Whitnall might be the safest bet early on in the season. The Falcons have one of the best backcourts in the state in seniors Jack Lutz (23.5 ppg) and Myles Herro (13.5 ppg). This group has state tournament experience as well and have won the Woodland East Conference fours year in a row.
2. Wauwatosa West
2023-24 Record: 18-9
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Pewaukee in Sectional Semifinals
Key Losses: Kai Rogers (20.0 ppg)
Losing Rogers to Overtime Elite is a tough pill to swallow. However, the Trojans do get back senior guard Jake Hansen (17.1 ppg), one of the state’s top shooters, and sophomore guard Jalen Brown (14.2 ppg), a rising Division 1 prospect. West also has one of the best two-way role players in the state in junior Matthew Kloskey (11.9 ppg).
3. West De Pere
2023-24 Record: 16-9
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Notre Dame in Regionals
Key Losses: N/A
This group is going to completely reload and might be the favorites to win the Bay Conference. West De Pere gets its top five scorers back from last season, including three double figure performers. The Phantoms are led by senior guard Bryce Borowicz (16.9 ppg). If sophomore center Tref Rademaker (13.8 ppg) blossoms quickly, this could be a state tournament team.
4. Nicolet
2023-24 Record: 24-5
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Wisconsin Lutheran in the state semifinals
Key Losses: Davion Hannah (19.4 ppg), Nacir Beamon (17.9 ppg)
Had Hannah stuck around for his senior season, this would be the clear frontrunner in Division 2. That being said, senior guard David Bolden (10.3 ppg), a NJIT commit, and junior guard Rashaad Davis (11.9 ppg) should be enough to keep the Knights relevant. A lot will be on their place however as Nicolet also lost some really good role players.
5. Mount Horeb
2023-24 Record: 21-6
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost to Stoughton in sectional semifinals
Key Losses: Nick Vorwald (15.4 ppg)
Junior guard Josh Manchester (24.1 ppg) has proven to be one of the state’s premier scorers. However, Mount Horeb has a variety of weapons that can shoulder the load as well. Manchester’s running mate, Zach Maguire (9.0 ppg) provides some quality floor spacing ability. Look for sophomore Alex Chapman (3.4 ppg) to make some big strides this winter and possibly be the x-factor that gets the Vikings over the hump and to the Kohl Center.
Up Next: 6-10, Honorable Mention Teams