Way Too Early Team Watchlist: 2022-23

Now that the state tournament is over, I want to talk about two teams in each division that I think have a chance to lift the gold ball next season. I’ll start in division 1 and go to division 5. <h2>Division 1</h2> Brookfield East The Spartans came close to playing in a state title game this season. Although they lose Adrianna Alberts and Paige Platz to graduation this season, they’ll get [player_tooltip player_id="156077" first="Annika" last="Pluemer"], [player_tooltip player_id="266987" first="Shae" last="Kelley"], and Maddy McGath back. Teams who have suffered heartbreak at the highest level are teams who know what it takes to get to state and have the motivation to finish the job the next time around. [player_tooltip player_id="209610" first="Ava" last="Burgher"] and Addison Doyle will need to step up next season. That said, Pluemer and Kelley will get the two new starters, whoever they may be, up to speed quickly. Hortonville Speaking of teams who suffered heartbreak at the highest level, Hortonville fits that bill. In their sectional semifinal, the Polar Bears were on the wrong end of a questionable call at best, which I’ll link below. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Hortonville basically lost on this play as Kami Peppler calls a timeout at half-court down two with 20 seconds left. Instead of granting the timeout the ref calls a travel. Neenah would hit their free throws to win 65-60. Tough way to lose. <a href="https://t.co/8gJ7bjEyK4">pic.x.com/8gJ7bjEyK4</a> — John Miller (@JohnMillerNBC26) <a href="https://x.com/JohnMillerNBC26/status/1499586744013967362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> This season the Polar Bears will lose Ms. Basketball [player_tooltip player_id="132372" first="Kamy" last="Peppler"], Eastern Illinois commit and defensive ace [player_tooltip player_id="204159" first="Lyric" last="Johnson"], and future Minnesota Golden Gopher softball player Maggie Werner. Two of those spots will get taken by [player_tooltip player_id="206727" first="Trinity" last="Mocadlo"] and [player_tooltip player_id="266988" first="MiKayla" last="Werner"]. Mocadlo has been an excellent backup guard to Peppler and has been one of the most reputable perimeter defenders in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="266988" first="MiKayla" last="Werner"], the younger sister of Paige, is one of the most versatile forwards in Wisconsin. The third open starting spot is still a little up in the air. However, the Polar Bears have a lot of options to fill that third spot with a shooter like Kyra Funk, a ball-handler like Paige Lille, or with the size of Jada Steuwer. <h2>Division 2</h2> Notre Dame It would be silly to think that the Tritons won’t be in contention for a state title next season, especially after winning back-to-back titles with a young group. Future UW-Oshkosh Titan [player_tooltip player_id="262971" first="Sarah" last="Hardwick"] will be the Tritons’ only loss in their starting five, which will likely be assumed by current freshman [player_tooltip player_id="338948" first="Peyton" last="Musial"] next season. The five that the Tritons will be able to throw on the floor may be the most talented in the state. Most of their starting five will be around 5-foot-10 and 5-11. [player_tooltip player_id="209880" first="Gracie" last="Grzesk"], [player_tooltip player_id="157533" first="Hope" last="Barington"], [player_tooltip player_id="209882" first="Sydney" last="Whitehouse"], and Musial are all versatile wings that can play any role from the two to the five. This group will be as dangerous as anyone next season. Beaver Dam The Tritons’ biggest challenge could come before they reach Green Bay. Beaver Dam played Notre Dame in the sectional final this year and was competitive for most of the game. The Golden Beavers will be getting all five of their starters back with a year of experience playing together under their belt. The lineup of Maddie Kuenzi, Anni Salettel, [player_tooltip player_id="379639" first="Bella" last="Oestreicher"], [player_tooltip player_id="209588" first="Gabby" last="Wilke"], and [player_tooltip player_id="264946" first="Kylie" last="Wittnebel"] will only get better with time, and I expect them to be even better next season. <h2>Division 3</h2> Freedom The Irish came close to capturing the state title this season. They dropped the state title game to powerhouse Waupun. However, the Irish were very junior-heavy this season. Although Freedom will lose talented forward [player_tooltip player_id="155424" first="Megan" last="Alexander"] this season, the other four starters will be back. If there were any kid who would take the pain of losing a state title game and use it to take their game to the next level, it would be [player_tooltip player_id="342100" first="Sadie" last="Jarmolowicz"]. She is talented enough to do almost anything on the floor, and I can’t wait to see what she does as a senior. Rylie Murphy showed how good of a shooter she is at state this year. The forward pairing of Kierstin Kreiwaldt and Sydney Bartels is as versatile of a frontcourt duo you’ll find. Kewaskum Kewaskum nearly defeated the state champions in the sectional semifinal this season. They will be losing Annie Christensen for next season. Other than that, Kewaskum will have everyone else back from a team that pushed the state champions to the brink twice in the last two months. Keep an eye on Madi Dogs taking the next step on the offensive end. If that happens, this team can be dangerous next February and March. <h2>Division 4</h2> Laconia The Spartans started three freshmen and a sophomore in the state title game. Although they lose [player_tooltip player_id="262984" first="Molly" last="Johannes"], I like what they do defensively. The Spartans fly around in a zone or straight-up defense and make plays on the ball. They have even more young talent who’ll compete for that last starting spot next season. This season they were a few 3’s away from winning the division 4 state title. I expect them to be back in Green Bay next season. Milwaukee Academy of Science The Lady Novas lost in the regional title game against Racine Lutheran. This group will return two uber-talented guards in [player_tooltip player_id="206728" first="Beautiful" last="Waheed"] and [player_tooltip player_id="206719" first="Lalani" last="Ellis"]. Although they lose [player_tooltip player_id="132381" first="Nakiyah" last="Hurst"], getting back one of the most talented backcourts in the state will help them stay competitive in division 4. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ellis and Waheed dominate next season. <h2>Division 5</h2> South Shore The Cardinals have the No. 7 scorer in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="206731" first="Lily" last="Truchon"]. In division 5, that is more than valuable. It’s game-changing. Truchon had an outstanding season, and with sophomore Emily Montgomery back, this team could take the next step this coming season. Division 5 is almost twice as large as every other division. It won’t be easy, but I would love to see this group in Green Bay next season. Blair-Taylor The Wildcats have one of the most talented backcourts in division 5, in [player_tooltip player_id="156079" first="Lindsay" last="Steien"] and [player_tooltip player_id="156080" first="Abby" last="Thompson"]. These two are effective on both ends of the floor and have gotten better since they’ve gotten into high school. Steien finished this season as the No. 3 scorer in the state and shot the ball at an extremely high level. Thompson is one of the most effective guards in applying pressure on the ball. Next season will be the last shot for these two talented seniors, and I expect them to get the most out of themselves and their team.