Programs to Keep Tabs on in 2024-25

We've talked about players for a while, so let's get into some team-oriented stuff and talk about some intriguing programs from around the state. None of the teams I'll discuss won a Regional Title last season, so they all have something to prove.   Oak Creek   Last season wasn't a normal one for the Knights. It was the first time in a decade that they didn't have at least a share of the Southeast title in over a decade, and they lost in regionals to a conference foe in Kenosha Tremper.   It may not have been the type of Oak Creek team we're used to seeing, but there are still pieces that could make 24-25 a bounce-back season.   To start things off, [player_tooltip player_id='465922' first='Megan' last='Geason'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888659' first='Jenna' last='Kuehn'] will provide some size and power that the Knights missed last season. Both had injuries that kept them out for the season. [player_tooltip player_id='883872' first='Ava' last='Heritage'] and [player_tooltip player_id='815502' first='Savannah' last='Jones'] are also back this season after gaining experience last season.   Outside of having this group of talented kids back, they have the coaching continuity programs crave. Players and coaches in the Southeast Conference rave about the coaching Steve Hluchnik does on the sidelines, and I'm sure his knowledge and experience will get the most out of this group.   Wisconsin Lutheran   The Vikings' old guard is out the door. Jayla Rankin and Jazzmine Smith are off to the next chapter of their lives at the next level, but that opened the door of opportunity for one of the most talented youth programs in the state to fill that void.   [player_tooltip player_id='751262' first='Kaelyn' last='Nommensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='751277' first='Reese' last='Grudzielanek'], and [player_tooltip player_id='751248' first='Beth' last='Langebartels'] all played roles last season, but as newcomers, they were feeling everything out still. Now, they have to be consistently productive to take this program where it has the potential to go. Having a [player_tooltip player_id='828946' first='Kenly' last='Frey'] eases that transition because she's been around for a while and has played and produced in high-pressure games.   The wildcard in their season will be [player_tooltip player_id='879927' first='Londyn' last='Hollins']. She suffered a severe knee injury back in April and still has plenty of recovery to do. However, if she does find her way onto the floor this season, she's talented enough to swing games. It's not something I'm expecting because her health comes first, but it's something to think about if she does recover in a reasonable enough time to play some games in her first high school season.   Wisconsin Dells   Westfield has dominated the South Central Conference since I've been around, and they may still win the SCC this season. However, Wisconsin Dells should be the favorites heading into 24-25.   [player_tooltip player_id='598735' first='Natalie' last='Backhaus'] is one of the best passers in the state and can create something out of nothing for herself or her teammates. She's one of the best frontcourt kids who doesn't get as much buzz around the state as she should.   The other two pieces that will be the difference makers are [player_tooltip player_id='624964' first='Ashiya' last='Hopkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='659763' first='Natalie' last='Field']. Both add size, but Hopkins has assumed a lead guard role for the Chiefs, and Field has played in every wing spot since getting to campus.   The Chiefs sectional has weakened over the past few years. The winter of 2025 is the year when they could do something special.   St. Mary Catholic   A plethora of talent walked out the door this spring, and this won't look like last year's team with Audrey Norville heading to Black Hills State, but you can see an outline of a team that could break through, given that Laconia is no longer in their sectional.   [player_tooltip player_id='448256' first='Emily' last='Vogel'] and Nolie Anderson are back for their senior seasons, and they've been on the cusp of going to the Resch Center for a few seasons. They've had some of the better groups in D4 the past few years but have run into tough matchups.   There's plenty of continuity with 11 kids who the Zephyrs didn't graduate in the spring. They aren't one of the juggernauts of the recent past, but they have the tools to make a run.   Barneveld   I talk about the Eagles enough, so I'll make it brief.   [player_tooltip player_id='533073' first='Izabel' last='Durst'] is one of the top guards in the state, and teams will have to sit in a zone or send multiple bodies at her. Their group is similar to this past year, so they have some continuity and have played with teams like Argyle/Pecatonica and Albany/Monticello.   Having a kid who can make everyone else's lives easier, as Durst can, is a recipe for success in D5, even though their record and seeding these past few seasons haven't made them look like one of the top teams in D5.

We've talked about players for a while, so let's get into some team-oriented stuff and talk about some intriguing programs from around the state. None of the teams I'll discuss won a Regional Title last season, so they all have something to prove.