Your official guide to the 15th annual Rick Majerus Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Shootout, scheduled for December 26-27-28 at Concordia University in Mequon:
Five Things To Watch …
1. Brookfield Central vs. Madison La Follette – This matchup of two of the top 10 teams at the WIAA Division 1 level in Wisconsin highlights day three of the Majerus WBY Shootout. Will Brookfield Central be able to slow down the transition game and handle the pressing defense of La Follette? Coach Curtrel Robinson's La Follette squad features an experienced, talented and deep backcourt that includes seniors Ben Probst (6-1), David Gray (6-1), Isaiah Stewart (6-0) and David Gray (6-0). On the other hand, can La Follette hold its own down low against Brookfield Central's very good frontline? Winona State recruit Malik Abdul-Wahid (6-6) and class of 2021 top prospects David Joplin (6-7) are athletic, experienced and productive players in the post for Brookfield Central coach Dan Wandrey. These two unbeaten teams from the Greater Metro (Brookfield Central) and Big Eight (Madison La Follette) conferences clash in what could be a potential pairing at the WIAA State Tournament come March.
2. Cuba City – This is Cuba City's third appearance in the WBY Shootout and the Cubans have made the most of their previous trips to the Milwaukee area for the event. On December 26, 2008, Cuba City got 50 points from junior guard Evan Richard (6-3) in a triumph over Brookfield Academy in a game played at the Al McGuire Center on the Marquette University campus. Richard's 50 points remains the standard for most points scored in the WBY Shootout -- a span of more than 300 games -- and he accomplished that feat against the same school the Cubans will meet in this year's WBY Shootout. A few years later at Concordia, Cuba City handed Sheboygan Lutheran and Sam Dekker one of their four losses on the season, though the Crusaders and Dekker did go on to win the WIAA Division 5 state championship in Madison a few months later. The Cuba City vs. Sheboygan Lutheran contest, played at 2:00 p.m. on December 26, 2011, remains one of the most largely attended games in WBY Shootout history. Cuba City coach Jerry Petitgoue is the state's all-time winningest coach and entered the 2019-20 season with a career coaching mark of 938-256, including a 876-236 mark in 48 years at Cuba City. The Cubans have a loaded lineup this season that includes potential NCAA Division I recruit Brayden Dailey, a 6-foot-6 junior, along with senior guards Jackson Noll (5-10) and Brady Olson (5-11), and junior forward Jack Miskey (6-4).
3. 16 ranked teams in WisSports.net Coaches Poll – Two top-ranked teams and 16 ranked programs overall are scheduled to participate in the 32-team WBY Shootout. At the Division 1 level, second-ranked Brookfield Central, fourth-ranked Kimberly, sixth-ranked Brookfield East, ninth-ranked Arrowhead and tenth-ranked Madison La Follette will compete. Three of the top 10 teams in Division 2 will participate, including second-ranked Onalaska, fifth-ranked Kaukauna and ninth-ranked Pewaukee. Among Division 3 schools, ninth-ranked Lake Country Lutheran and tenth-ranked Martin Luther will play. Also taking part are the state's top-ranked Division 4 team -- Cuba City -- and the state's second-ranked Division 5 squad -- Sheboygan Lutheran. Other ranked teams include second-ranked Milwaukee Academy of Science and fourth-ranked Brookfield Academy in Division 4; and sixth-ranked McDonell Central and seventh-ranked Burlington Catholic Central in Division 5.
4. Jacob Ognacevic – The numbers are nothing short of sensational. Through the first six games of the season, Sheboygan Lutheran senior forward Jacob Ognacevic was averaging 36.2 points and 16.0 rebounds while shooting 68 percent from the field, 86 percent from the foul line (56 of 65) and 71 percent from three-point range (15 of 21). The 6-foot-8 Valparaiso recruit leads the state in both scoring and rebounding and is a definite candidate for the Mr. Basketball award. Ognacevic is easily the state's most consistent and productive performer, but he'll get some big-time challenges at the WBY Shootout in the form of very good teams from Lake Country Lutheran and Edgerton. Ognacevic's offensive skills and ability to dominate in the paint are the major reasons why defending WIAA Division 5 state champion Sheboygan Lutheran is ranked No. 1 among D5 schools in this week's WisSports.net Coaches Poll.
5. Unsigned seniors worth watching – College coaches from programs at all levels have no shortage of unsigned seniors to watch at the WBY Shootout. The list is long and includes many very talented players. In alphabetical order, here is a list of seniors still searching for the right collegiate program ...
Carson Arenz, 6-5, Onalaska
John Bunks Jr., 6-4, Xavier
Tyrese England, 6-1, Wisconsin Lutheran
Keaton Ferris, 6-0, Kaukauna
Aiden Flynn, 6-5, Milwaukee Marquette
Caleb Fuller, 6-3, Oshkosh West
David Gray, 6-1, Madison La Follette
Derek Gray, 6-0, Madison La Follette
Joey Immekus, 6-2, Martin Luther
Logan Jedwabny, 6-2, Kaukauna
Alex Leach, 6-6, Brookfield Academy
Tanner Linduski, 6-3, Eau Claire Memorial
Jacob Newhouse, 6-5, Kaukauna
Jackson Noll, 5-10, Cuba City
Brady Olson, 5-11, Cuba City
Michael Poker, 6-0, Brookfield East
Ben Probst, 6-1, Madison La Follette
Nick Spang, 6-6, Edgerton
Isaiah Stewart, 6-0, Madison La Follette
Karter Thomas, 6-0, Oshkosh West
Bennett Wright, 6-0, Burlington Catholic Central
Trey Zastrow, 6-0, Manitowoc Lutheran
21 + One Players To Watch …
Carson Arenz, 6-5, Sr., G/F, Onalaska (Uncommitted) -- Arenz is receiving recruiting interest from a number of NCAA Division II schools in Minnesota due to his combination of size and skill. A very good shooter from deep who can also get around defenders off the dribble, Arenz leads a balanced and potent Onalaska offensive attack at 14.7 ppg.
Caden Boser, 6-8, Sr., F, Eau Claire Memorial (Kansas City) -- Boser leads the Big Rivers Conference in scoring (26.8 ppg) and rebounding (16.0 rpg) and is the epitome of a stretch four as he can shoot well beyond the three-point arc. Boser has worked hard to be able to attack the basket off the bounce and that improvement will help the Old Abes contend for the league title this winter.
Jake Buchanan, 6-0, Sr., G, Kimberly (Rockhurst) -- A four-year varsity performer for the Papermakers, Buchanan is a cerebral lead guard who can pass, shoot, dribble and make big plays at opportune times. A gym rat who has worked expectionally hard on his game during his high school career, Buchanan is averaging 17.5 ppg and 3.0 apg for coach Lucky Wurtz and the Papermakers.
Aidan Clarey, 6-2, Sr., G, Brookfield Academy (Rockhurst) -- An aggressive offensive player who can score from deep and off the dribble, Clarey is a four-year varsity performer for the Blue Knights who can flat-out score. Clarey has averaged in double figures in each of the past three seasons and brings a 23.0 ppg-average to the WBY Shootout. The son of long-time Brookfield Academy coach Pat Clarey, Aidan Clarey has a shot at reaching 2,000 career points as needs just over 400 more to get to that milestone.
Brayden Dailey, 6-6, Jr., G, Cuba City (Uncommitted) -- A highly productive wing prospect with deep shooting range and athleticism around the basket, Dailey is averaging 26.0 ppg and 8.3 rpg for Cuba City. Played for the varsity squad at Mineral Point as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Cuba City at start of junior season. Green Bay, Milwaukee and Missouri State have extended scholarship offers to Dailey.
Hayden Doyle, 6-1, Jr., G, Brookfield East (Uncommitted) -- One of the top all-around players in Wisconsin, Doyle does a bit of everything for coach Joe Rux and the Spartans. He can score, pass, handle the ball against pressure and, most importantly, shut down the opponent's top scorer with his stellar defense.
Keaton Ferris, 6-0, Sr., G, Kaukauna (Uncommitted) -- Like so many other seniors on this list, Ferris is a four-year varsity performer. Known primarily as a shooter as a freshman and sophomore while playing alongside West Virginia recruit Jordan McCabe, Ferris has moved into the point-guard role the past two seasons and, though not quite as flashy as McCabe, can nonetheless make some impressive no-look passes that lead to easy baskets for his teammates.
Aiden Flynn, 6-5, Sr., F, Marquette (Uncommitted) -- A smooth, consistent and productive player who scored a career-high 40 points in an overtime triumph over Catholic Memorial this season, Flynn is averaging 28.3 ppg for the Hilltoppers. Also an outstanding student, Flynn maintains a 4.0 grade-point average and scored a 35 on the ACT exam.
Carter Gilmore, 6-7, Sr., F, Arrowhead (Wisconsin - walkon) -- One of the state's more versatile prospects, Gilmore is comfortable playing on the perimeter and handling the ball while making good passes to his teammates or going into the post and playing with his back to the basket against smaller defenders. He leads the Warhawks in scoring at 24.5 ppg and is headed to the University of Wisconsin in the fall as a preferred walkon for the men's basketball program.
Darius Hannah, 6-8, Sr., F, Milwaukee Academy of Science (Bradley) -- One of the state's biggest sleepers, Hannah missed but a few games last season with an injury, but he's back in full force now for coach Agape Keys at Milwaukee Academy of Science. Hannah is a versatile forward with outstanding length and the ability to block and alter shots. He's also a capable scorer and rebounder for MAS as he is currently averaging 18.2 ppg and 11.6 rpg. Hannah signed in November with former Marquette University great and ex-UW-Green Bay coach Brian Wardle, now the head coach at Bradley.
Alex Huibregtse, 6-3, Sr., G, Grafton (Wright State) -- There might not be a more improved player in the state in the class of 2020 than Huibregste, who was very good as a junior but has elevated his game to another level for his senior campaign. The Wright State recruit is shooting a very high percentage from three-point range and scored a career-high 39 points in a North Shore Conference win over Hartford in mid-December. Huibregste is averaging 24.6 ppg for coach Damon James and the Blackhawks.
Zac Johnson, 6-3, Jr., G, River Falls (Uncommitted) -- Another top class of 2021 prospect competing in the WBY Shootout, Johnson is a strong, left-handed wing guard who can get on a roll from three-point range. He averaged 12.1 ppg as a freshman, 14.9 ppg as a sophomore and is netting 21.0 ppg so far this season. Johnson's strength enables him to pull-up in the lane for mid-range jump shots while shedding defenders.
David Joplin, 6-7, Jr., F, Brookfield Central (Uncommitted) -- A key returning player from the Lancers' WIAA Division 1 state-championship team, Joplin ranks among the top collegiate prospects in the state's 2021 class. An athletic forward who can score and rebound, Joplin is averaging 24.0 ppg and 10.2 rpg for coach Dan Wandrey and the Lancers.
Isaac Lindsey, 6-4, Sr., G, Mineral Point (UNLV) -- Hampered by an injury in the early portion of his senior season, Lindsey is hoping to return to the hardwood at the Majerus WBY Shootout. His ability to make shots and score points will be needed as the Pointers play a pair of challenging contests at Concordia against Brookfield Academy and Brown Deer. Lindsey signed with UNLV in November and has the ability to make deep shots and score off the dribble.
Ben Nau, 6-1, Jr., G, Brookfield Central (Uncommitted) -- The younger brother of former Brookfield Central standout Cole Nau, who now is playing at NCAA Division II Hillsdale College, Ben Nau is a very good perimeter shooter who entered his junior season with two years of varsity competition under his belt. An unselfish player who can shoot, defend and pass, Nau owns NCAA Division I offers from six schools, including Green Bay and Milwaukee.
Jacob Ognacevic, 6-8, Sr., F, Sheboygan Lutheran (Valparaiso) -- Without a question the most productive player in the state, Ognacevic is a walking double-double for the Crusaders, who won the WIAA Division 5 state title last March. After averaging 30.2 ppg and 15.7 rpg as a junior, Ognacevic has upped his game thus far this season by averaging a mind-boggling 38.6 ppg and 16.4 rpg.
Cam Palesse, 6-4, Jr., G, Waukesha West (Uncommitted) -- After missing the first few games of the season while recovering from an illness, Palesse netted 17 points in his first game back for the Wolverines, the defending Classic Eight Conference champions. A skilled guard with excellent size, Palesse owns NCAA Division I scholarship offers from nine schools, including Green Bay and Milwaukee.
Tyree Stuttley, 6-5, Sr., F, Onalaska (Minnesota State Mankato) -- A physical specimen with good length and the ability to guard multiple positions, Stuttley also is a more than capable scorer in the paint. He has outstanding body control and does an excellent job of finishing through contact.
Kaleim Taylor, 6-3, Sr., G, Milwaukee Academy of Science (Milwaukee) -- A four-year varsity performer at MAS, Taylor is an unselfish, productive performer who is averaging 12.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and a team-best 7.0 assists. Taylor can make shots from deep, get to the basket off the dribble and find open teammates with his good court awareness. Taylor signed in November with coach Pat Baldwin at UW-Milwaukee.
Karter Thomas, 6-0, Sr., G, Oshkosh West (Uncommitted) -- One of the state's top uncommitted class of 2020 prospects, Thomas is coming off ACL surgery and was sidelined the entire spring and summer. But he's back at 100 percent now for the Wildcats and is performing well, averaging 21.2 ppg for coach Mike Johnson. Thomas has deep shooting range, a quick release and the ability to stop and pop from on a dime from well outside the three-point arc.
Malik Abdul-Wahid, 6-6, Sr., F, Brookfield Central (Winona State) -- An emerging frontline prospect with excellent vertical jumping and every-improving production, Abdul-Wahid brings excellent length and athleticism to the floor for Brookfield Central. He is averaging better than 14.0 ppg for an unbeaten team despite being the third option offensively behind junior standouts David Joplin and Ben Nau.
Trey Zastrow, 6-0, Sr., G, Manitowoc Lutheran (Uncommitted) -- A left-handed backcourt peformer with a deft shooting touch, Zastrow made 47 percent of his attempts (70 of 150) from three-point range as a junior. He is shooting 48 perecent from deep as a senior while playing for his coach and father, Gordy Zastrow, and is averaging 24.5 ppg.
Sophomores (Class of 2022) To Watch …
Micah Causey, 5-9, St. Thomas More
Logan Dobberstein, 6-6, Pewaukee
Luke Haertle, 6-2, Lake Country Lutheran
Ashton Janowski, 6-1, Pewaukee
Armani Jones, 5-8, Brown Deer
Chris Morgan, 6-0, Kaukauna
Jackson Paveletzke, 6-1, Kimberly
Charlie Pfefferle, 5-10, Xavier
Andrew Rohde, 6-4, Brookfield Central
Mekhi Shaw, 5-9, Eau Claire Memorial
Josh Terrian, 6-4, Pewaukee
Casey Verhagen, 6-0, Sheboygan Lutheran
Freshmen (Class of 2023) To Watch …
Nick Felske, 6-0, St. Thomas More
Albert Harrell, 5-5, Milwaukee Academy of Science
Jaylen Johnson, 6-1, Heritage Christian
Landon Key, 6-3, Wisconsin Lutheran
Joshua Knueppel, 6-0, Wisconsin Lutheran
Bennett McCormick, 6-2, Catholic Memorial
Braden McGlothlin, 5-8, Catholic Memorial
Milan Momcilovic, 6-7, Pewaukee (injured)
Nick Odom, 5-8, Onalaska
Max Wrecke, 6-4, Arrowhead
Prentice Young, 6-3, Wisconsin Lutheran
Rick Majerus WBY Shootout Notes …
There will be no pre-sale tickets. All tickets for the WBY Shootout will be sold at the door. The Buuck Fieldhouse can accommodate around 2,000 fans so plan to arrive early to make sure you can purchase a ticket.
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Parking for the Rick Majerus WBY Shootout is free.
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Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. The tickets are good for the entire day.
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Copies of the 352-page 2019-20 Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook will be available for purchase for $30.
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Game programs, which includes rosters and other information for all 32 teams, will be sold for $3.
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The Concordia University basketball team will sell concessions throughout the event.
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Wisconsin Sports Stream (www.wisconsinsportsstream.com) will stream live the games at 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 26.
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Following is the schedule of games for the Rick Majerus WBY Shootout …
Thursday’s Games (December 26)
At Concordia University (Mequon)
9:00 a.m. – Catholic Central (4-1) vs. Heritage Christian (1-6)
10:30 a.m. – Catholic Memorial (3-4) vs. Martin Luther (3-1)
Noon – Sheboygan Lutheran (6-1) vs. Lake Country Lutheran (3-0)
1:30 p.m. – Winnebago Lutheran (5-1) vs. Manitowoc Lutheran (5-2)
3:00 p.m. – Kaukauna (4-2) vs. Grafton (4-2)
4:30 p.m. – Brookfield Academy (4-2) vs. Mineral Point (3-3)
6:00 p.m. – Kimberly (5-1) vs. Arrowhead (6-1)
7:30 p.m. – Wisconsin Lutheran (5-1) vs. Brookfield East (4-1)
9:00 p.m. – Marquette (4-1) vs. Pewaukee (4-3)
Friday’s Games (December 27)
At Concordia University (Mequon)
9:00 a.m. – McDonell Central (6-0) vs. Catholic Central (4-1)
10:30 a.m. – St. Thomas More (1-4) vs. Lake Country Lutheran (3-0)
Noon – Milwaukee Academy of Science (4-3) vs. Martin Luther (3-1)
1:30 p.m. – Brookfield Academy (4-2) vs. Cuba City (5-0)
3:00 p.m. – River Falls (3-2) vs. Xavier (5-1)
4:30 p.m. – Mineral Point (3-3) vs. Brown Deer (6-2)
6:00 p.m. – Onalaska (4-1) vs. Kaukauna (4-2)
7:30 p.m. – Kimberly (5-1) vs. Waukesha West (2-2)
9:00 p.m. – Eau Claire Memorial (3-2) vs. Oshkosh West (2-3)
Saturday’s Games (December 28)
At Concordia University (Mequon)
9:00 a.m. – Sheboygan Lutheran (6-1) vs. Edgerton (5-1)
10:30 a.m. – McDonell Central (6-0) vs. St. Thomas More (1-4)
Noon – River Falls (3-2) vs. Brown Deer (6-2)
1:30 p.m. – Appleton Xavier (5-1) vs. Catholic Memorial (3-4)
3:00 p.m. – Eau Claire Memorial (3-2) vs. Brookfield East (4-1)
4:30 p.m. – Onalaska (4-1) vs. Oshkosh West (2-3)
6:00 p. m. --Brookfield Central (6-0) vs. Madison La Follette (5-0)
7:30 p.m. -- Wisconsin Lutheran (5-1) vs. Marquette (4-1)
9:00 p.m. -- Waukesha West (2-2) vs. Grafton (4-2)
Tag(s): WBY Shootout