Storylines Heading into the 2024-25 Season

The AAU season is officially over after the US Open and Individual Pathway Program in South Carolina, so we'll slowly shift our attention to the High School season that tips off in November.   Around this time last year, I highlighted some storylines for the 2023-24 season, and some ended up being intriguing things to follow along with, like Neenah's quest for the Resch Center, and others not so much.   It's a new year, so let's open up August with some storylines for the 2024-25 Wisconsin Girls High School Basketball Season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who'll challenge Pewaukee in D1?</h2>   After getting their pound of flesh to end Notre Dame's run of titles at three in the D2 state title game last year, the Pirates will be in the D1 field.   Presumably, the Pirates will be the team to beat in D1. Like every year when we have a team like Pewaukee, the question is, "Who could take them down?"   The list of candidates is slim but not barren. Two teams outside of their sectional have a player or two on their roster who either knows the Pirates personnel from their experiences in AAU or have enough firepower that they may explode enough on one night where they could sneak out with a win.   Hortonville   Hortonville has a talented enough backcourt that makes an offensive explosion possible. [player_tooltip player_id='374227' first='Rainey' last='Welson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533074' first='Kardyn' last='Peppler'] are two of the premier guards in the state and have had explosive performances in the postseason. However, they'd need big-time performances from kids who haven't been in the rotation before this season, like [player_tooltip player_id='892181' first='Mallorie' last='Werner'] or Taylor Lillie, along with [player_tooltip player_id='842218' first='Julieyn' last='Martin'] continuing to be a reliable two-way player.   Arrowhead   Injuries may deter a run at back-to-back titles before the Warhawk season tips off. [player_tooltip player_id='533082' first='Libby' last='Gilmore'] likely being out for the season is not great because of how much she contributed on both ends of the floor, but the losses of Abby Robel and Erica Bub will loom large as the season progresses.   Last season, [player_tooltip player_id='751284' first='Sidney' last='Zehner'] came off the bench and looked to provide a spark when Arrowhead needed it. This season, regardless of injuries, they'll need much more from her if they want to climb the mountain again.   The x-factor for this group will be rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='509719' first='Teresa' last='Kescenovitz']. The 6'0 forward has been behind some successful frontcourt players in the past three years but has an opportunity to be a significant piece of a state-title-caliber team. She's a versatile kid with power around the rim and touch to knock down some perimeter shots, and she's someone who could surprise people in the Classic 8 and beyond.   Hartford   The most resistance for the Pirates will likely come before, potentially, reaching the Resch Center. The first team we'll look at in their sectional will be the reigning Scetional Champions from a year ago, the Hartford Orioles.   The 2024 North Shore Conference Champions hit their offensive stride when the calendar flipped and were arguably the best offensive team in D1, and they have all their pieces back from that group.   [player_tooltip player_id='338945' first='Makena' last='Christian'] played some of the best basketball I've seen her play, and she exploited mismatches to help the Orioles reach the Resch Center.   [player_tooltip player_id='533085' first='Bella' last='Klages'] is the Orioles' swiss-army knife that allowed Hartford to use her size on both ends of the floor to smother smaller guards on defense and power through them on offense.   The class of 2027 also found their rhythm as the season went along. [player_tooltip player_id='751285' first='Taressa' last='Hennes'] learned how to play off Christian by cutting from various spots. [player_tooltip player_id='751236' first='Alexis' last='Shelsta'] became a catch-and-shoot threat, and [player_tooltip player_id='751281' first='Rita' last='Kuepper'] thrived as a dynamic playmaker.   The defense will be the question mark against a team that can pour in points, like Pewaukee, but Hartford can run it up as well as anyone.   Kimberly   The youth movement is in full effect for the Papermakers, and they have most of their core back from a season ago.   Talent-wise, the Papermakers are closer to Pewaukee than anyone else we've talked about, but they're the least proven among the teams we've highlighted.   [player_tooltip player_id='448243' first='Katelyn' last='McGinnis'] walks into her senior season fresh off a campaign that unanimously earned her unanimous first-team all-conference honors. The Belmont commit was an offensive hub for the Papermakers that can knock down shots anywhere on the floor.   Future Minnesota-Duluth Bulldog [player_tooltip player_id='448245' first='Raegan' last='Krueger'] adds an elite post presence to a team dominated by guards and wings. When Krurger's on the floor, she makes the Papermakers the best version of themselves.   The underclassmen all slotted into roles and bought in immediately. [player_tooltip player_id='764909' first='Haylie' last='Dulas'] started and was more of a defensive wing who could make perimeter shots and score off offensive rebounds. [player_tooltip player_id='764903' first='Ava' last='Van Vonderen'] was the first kid off the bench, which gave her team an offensive spark. [player_tooltip player_id='509695' first='Emily' last='Urban'] and [player_tooltip player_id='764927' first='Kennedy' last='Ebben'] were excellent defensive guards at the point of attack, and [player_tooltip player_id='624965' first='Claudia' last='Asman'] provided shooting on the wing at 6'1.   The main question mark for the Papermakers will be their resolve as a unit when things go sideways. However, I don't know if things could go as sideways as before their sectional semifinal injury-wise.   Provided that the Papermakers are playing their best brand of basketball in late February and early March, Kimberly could find themselves at the Resch Center in 2025.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What team will take control of D5?</h2>   People don't tend to pay much attention to the small schools in the state, but it's the most chaotic division in the state, bar none.   Last season, Albany/Monticello became the first No. 4 seed to upset a No. 1 seed at the state tournament and then won the game of the year against Lena in the state title game.   There is talent down there, and with Argyle/Pecatonica moving up to D4 due to enrollment, the door is wide open for a team looking to take control.   Therefore, we're highlighting some teams with the tools to claim a D5 crown this winter. Similarly to D1, most of the powerhouses this year are in sectional two.   Assumption   Every year, the Royals are in the mix of title contenders in D5, and this year is no different.   The Royals have had as much continuity as you'll see in D5. Sarah Shaw, Anna Schooley, and [player_tooltip player_id='842260' first='Jordyn' last='Jaglinski'] are a balanced trio with experience in high-stress postseason basketball. Most other programs in the running in D5 can't match that experience.   There's also an element of revenge when I look at this iteration of the Royals. They've made sectionals in the past two years after reaching the D5 title game in 2022 and have lost in sectionals by a combined four points. I'm sure everyone involved wants to make it happen like they do every year, but this year feels different.   Lena   Another member of sectional two. The Wildcats came agonizingly close to a D5 title. I can't imagine what goes through their minds when they think back to the last minute or two of that game against Albany/Monticello.   The good news for the Lena faithful is that they have their star duo back in [player_tooltip player_id='767273' first='Eva' last='Brooks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='842247' first='Madi' last='Thomson']. Those two have the size and skill that cause any team in D5 issues because few programs have kids with the size and mobility that Brooks and Thomson have.   There's also plenty of continuity among their role players. Having a group of kids who've played on the most prominent stage before makes them one of the most challenging outs in all of D5 this coming season.   Barneveld   I've talked about [player_tooltip player_id='533073' first='Izabel' last='Durst'] ad nauseam, but I believe she's the most talented player in D5.   That kid is one of the quickest in the state with the ball in her hands, and small-school kids aren't used to guarding lefties, so she takes advantage of that.   In games the Eagles lost last season against D5 teams, nobody blew them out. Some losses were head-scratchers. However, they competed with Argyle/Pecatonica and Albany/Monticello, who made the state tournament last season.   Barneveld has their four leading scorers back and has seen what it takes for a team to make a deep run. I like their chances this season with Durst at the helm.   Pacelli   The surprise team of the 2023-24 season in D5 was Pacelli.   The Cardinals had a young core, led by rising sophomore Jardyn Zdroik, and their next two leading scorers, Madelyn Pionek and Ella Van Order, were underclassmen.   Don't forget this group upset a talented D4 St. Mary Catholic team on the road and made themselves known around the state.   The young Cardinals ran into an unfavorable matchup against an Athens team with absurd length last season, but that year of experience could make all the difference in 2024-25.   Sheboygan Lutheran   The No. 1 candidate to take control of D5 this season has to be Sheboygan Lutheran. As far as I can remember, the Crusaders are the best small-school team yet to play at the state tournament since I've been around.   Sheboygan Lutheran has run into three buzzsaws in the past three seasons. In the last two years, the Crusaders have run into eventual D4 champions Laconia, and in 2021-22, Sheboygan Lutheran ran into eventual 31-0 D5 champions Randolph. It doesn't get more unlucky than that, but they have a golden opportunity as they fall back down to D5 because of their enrollment.   Losing Faith Pape and Alex Stricker will hurt without a doubt. However, [player_tooltip player_id='374230' first='Addy' last='Verhagen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521329' first='Taylor' last='Brigham'] may be the best one-two punch in D5. Those two have seen some of the top small-school teams in the past three seasons and won't be overwhelmed by anything thrown their way in the postseason.   They're my pick to lift the first gold ball on Championship Saturday.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What could Oostburg look like with three Ketterhagens on the floor?</h2>   The Lady Dutch have been on the cusp of breaking through as a unit the last two years but came up just short. I don't think they'll have more depth than they had this past year, but they'll take the role of Waupun and have three kids who could be the best on the floor on any given night. It also helps that they're all sisters.   The people who've been around know all about Ady and [player_tooltip player_id='533061' first='Riley' last='Ketterhagen']. Those two made a name for themselves in their freshman campaigns and led Oostburg to a Regional crown. They'll be upperclassmen this season, with plenty of goals for them still to chase with Oostburg, and now that [player_tooltip player_id='880796' first='Kinsley' last='Ketterhagen'] is about to start her first year in about a month, the outlook changes.   Ady and Riley have a steadiness to their game and play with passion. Those two know each other, as well as anyone, and what they do translates to winning basketball. However, Kinsley is a bit different than the twins, and her approach and mentality could be what Lady Dutch needs for this group.   Kinsley has an edge to her, like the twins. However, she's got confidence that I haven't seen in many kids, let alone an eighth grader.   [player_tooltip player_id='533060' first='Ady' last='Ketterhagen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533061' first='Riley' last='Ketterhagen'] have been extraordinarily good for Oostburg, but adding Kinsley might take this thing to the next level and push them over the top.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to make of D2</h2>   Over the last three seasons, we've seen the same two teams in the D2 state title game in March: Pewaukee and Notre Dame. Due to competitive balance taking those programs to D1, that era is dead and buried. As fun as it was to watch those two throw haymakers at each other every year, finding the next group to lift the D2 crown will be just as entertaining for us.   As you look around the field of D2 teams, we find multiple programs with the weaponry to lift the gold ball at the end of the season, so let's talk about them some more.   The Sectional One teams   I won't talk in-depth about the teams in S1 because there isn't much depth of talent in programs in the remote areas of Wisconsin. That said, the three teams who could get out of here will have the most talented kid on the floor no matter who they'd play at the Resch Center.   Lakeland, who made it to state in 2023, still has an uber-talented frontcourt in [player_tooltip player_id='338940' first='Kristina' last='Ouimette'], UW-GB commit, and [player_tooltip player_id='448291' first='Saylor' last='Timmerman'], Arkansas softball commit. Those two alone will have an edge in size and physicality against anyone they'd see at the Resch Center if they make it out of Sectional One.   Rice Lake has a similar structure to Lakeland. The Warriors have 6'3 wing [player_tooltip player_id='533077' first='Adaline' last='Sheplee'] and 6'2 center [player_tooltip player_id='914910' first='Addison' last='Schmidt']. Those two are the only kids who can physically match what Lakeland has in this sectional. The other kid they have back that could make a significant difference is their senior guard, Lucie Habas.   The one team on the other side of this sectional that could surprise people is the Shawano Hawks. [player_tooltip player_id='474774' first='Leah' last='Nordin'] is a legitimate P4 prospect that most of the state hasn't seen because she's from Shawano. However, she can do anything a coach could want at the high school level, and if she's on a heater, she can win her team a game they otherwise wouldn't.   West De Pere   Over the past year, the question mark with the Phantoms has been their health.   West De Pere has been as unlucky with kids like [player_tooltip player_id='329595' first='Ella' last='Francois'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448302' first='Mia' last='Racine'] succumbing to knee injuries in the last 12 months. Francois is back, but a potential return for Racine is months away.   On paper, the Phantoms have the most talent in their sectional and have the best backcourt duo in [player_tooltip player_id='329595' first='Ella' last='Francois'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448251' first='Faith' last='Walder']. Those two will be tough to beat in a one-game setting as seniors, and if all goes to plan, they'll be in sectionals this winter.   Waukesha West   Arguably, the Wolverines have had two groups talented enough to lift a sectional crown the past three seasons but came up short against a talented Union Grove unit.   On the bright side, in 2024, Waukesha West may have the most talented athlete in their sectional, Illinois State commit [player_tooltip player_id='602353' first='Jordan' last='Fenske']. The future Redbird has grown as a playmaker and ball handler out of necessity the past few years, and at the varsity level, became someone you can rely on to make some things happen off the dribble. However, her shooting will be what scares any defense the Wolverines play the most.   The question mark for West this season will be the production around Fenske. [player_tooltip player_id='533083' first='Taylor' last='Gifford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='751242' first='Ava' last='Spratt'] had solid seasons last year, but if they want to take I-41 or I-43 to Green Bay in March, Gifford and Spratt need to find another gear.   West Salem   Not many programs could accomplish what West Salem did in 2023-24. After making the state tournament in D3 in 2023, few people expected the Panthers to return to Green Bay after being elevated to D2 due to enrollment. However, after a performance for the ages from [player_tooltip player_id='448247' first='Megan' last='Johnson'] against McFarland in the Sectional Finals, the Panthers marched their way back to Green Bay.   [player_tooltip player_id='448247' first='Megan' last='Johnson'] returns for her senior campaign after etching her name all over the West Salem record books. Johnson's ability to carry the offensive load for West Salem unlocks what each of her teammates can do because of the defensive attention teams give Johnson. Few kids have been as productive as a primary offensive option as Johnson in the state.   Having Josie Brudos and Sam Niemeier back this season is as crucial as Johnson being back. Those two were reliable offensive options in the Coulee Conference, and their experience playing deep in the postseason the past few years could pay dividends the deeper we get into the postseason.   Edgewood   The reigning D3 champions got elevated to D2, but not due to competitive balance. The Crusaders were close to the D2/D3 line a year ago, but this year, they will be one of the smallest D2 schools in the field. However, they may have the most pedigree of anyone in the field.   After taking the D3 crown a year ago, Edgewood has a significant portion of the core that won the D3 crown back this season.   In [player_tooltip player_id='764918' first='Anna' last='Miller']'s first high school season, she was among the top lead guards in the state. The rising sophomore is one of the most consistent players in the state. She may not pass initial eye tests, but all she does is win games.   Looking at their wings, [player_tooltip player_id='914305' first='Erin' last='Schauer'] had a standout junior season for the Crusaders and played a crucial role in Edgewood's come-from-behind win in the D3 title game against Xavier. Her two-way ability will continue to be critical for the Crusaders in her senior season.   Even when you gander at their frontcourt, [player_tooltip player_id='995775' first='Maren' last='Schmotzer']'s skillset is unmatched by any of the other favorites in D2.   None of that even mentions kids like [player_tooltip player_id='914983' first='Beanie' last='Thompson'], Zhana Gnewuch, or Mya Tomlinson, who can all swing games on any night.   Pius XI   After three years of coming close to the state tournament, this could be their last chance for a while.   The guard-play the Lady Popes will roll out is one of the best in D2. [player_tooltip player_id='338941' first='Tess' last='Wiczek'] and [player_tooltip player_id='338944' first='Georgia' last='Acompanado'] are complimentary players who have experience playing together against some of the top teams in the state and deep into the postseason.   Chelinda Spector and Marciella Rivera are two youthful guards who add more toughness and speed to the Lady Popes' backcourt. After year one at the high school level, both should find more consistency after going through all the trials and tribulations in year one.   Wauwatosa East   The Red Raiders were an afterthought for years in the Greater Metro Conference until the class of 2026 showed up and turned the Tosa East program into one of the best in D2.   Heading into her junior season, [player_tooltip player_id='400915' first='Mikaia' last='Litza'] has become one of the top guards in the state and has been productive against anyone she's played against. In her sophomore season, she took her game to another level by being a high-usage kid who could be efficient from start to finish.   Fellow rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='509696' first='Emma' last='Close'] has played with Litza forever and is used to playing off of her, and she's continued to do so at a high level. She's been among the most consistent shooters in the GMC and will continue to find space to create passing lanes for Litza and other Red Raider guards.   A couple more rising juniors who'll play a prominent role this season are [player_tooltip player_id='509715' first='Sadie' last='Kubacki'] and [player_tooltip player_id='766594' first='Audrey' last='Sellinger']. Neither of those two are ball-dominant kids but will play roles the Red Raiders need to win games at the highest level. Sellinger is Tosa East's size, and she has to maximize her length against large units they may run into down the line, but her mobility and versatility on the offensive end of the floor will open her team's offense up. Kubacki is the Red Raiders' best perimeter defender, and she'll have to continue to line up against some of the best playmakers in the state.   Along with kids like [player_tooltip player_id='877544' first='Lyndia' last='Kalumbula'] and [player_tooltip player_id='878744' first='Malaya' last='Taylor'], the Red Raiders are a deeper team than you'd expect and have everyone back in their rotation, who made a state tournament last March.   Wisconsin Lutheran   I've talked about Kimberly's and Hartford's youth, but Wisconsin Lutheran's youth movement will be in full effect in 2024-25.   [player_tooltip player_id='751262' first='Kaelyn' last='Nommensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='751277' first='Reese' last='Grudzielanek'], [player_tooltip player_id='751248' first='Beth' last='Langebartels'], [player_tooltip player_id='751266' first='Kylee' last='Sias-Chaney'], and more highlight the class of 2027 the Vikings brought in last season. However, with some of the mainstays the Vikings had, someone like Sias-Chaney, who'd play at most schools around the state, played heavy minutes on JV, which likely helped her out by being on the floor. However, all those kids will likely play a role on varsity this season.   Nommensen added length and skill along with Langebartels. Grudzielanek is a heady wing who can pass at a high level for a wing and can get after it defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='751266' first='Kylee' last='Sias-Chaney'] will likely play minutes on varsity alongside Kenley Frey and be relied upon to make things happen off the dribble. However, the main point of intrigue will be if/when [player_tooltip player_id='879927' first='Londyn' last='Hollins'] makes her debut for the Vikings.   After a knee injury in April, Hollins faces an extended absence. There's no rush for her to return. Whether her first comes in the second half of this season or the start of her sophomore campaign, Hollins' addition could take the Vikings to another level. That is something to keep an eye on.   Whitefish Bay   The abundance of guards that Whitefish Bay has at its disposal is absurd. Last season, I talked about the possibility of five lead guard lineups, and it didn't happen. However, this year, it could, and I'm still hopeful to see what they look like.   A possible lineup of [player_tooltip player_id='751283' first='Rowan' last='Counsell']-[player_tooltip player_id='751268' first='Madeline' last='Volpe']-[player_tooltip player_id='509716' first='Sage' last='Miskel']-[player_tooltip player_id='751252' first='Carrington' last='Balthasar']-[player_tooltip player_id='751282' first='Rose' last='Mussoline'] is objectively fun. All those kids are scrappy and could probably generate some of the quickest and most productive offensive possessions around.   Even with the talent in the backcourt, the x-factor for the Blue Dukes this season will be Jane Wallace. She didn't shoot the ball as well as she could last season, but if Wallace finds her rhythm again, she will make a difference for them.

The AAU season is officially over after the US Open and Individual Pathway Program in South Carolina, so we'll slowly shift our attention to the High School season that tips off in November.