Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook

Observations from the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Summer Tournament held in Kaukauna June 17-18-19:

Pool A

Final Standings

Kimberly 3-1, Cedarburg 3-1, Hortonville 3-1, Marshfield 2-2, Appleton West 2-2, Brookfield East 2-2, Pulaski 1-3, De Pere 0-4.

Title Game: Kimberly 48, Cedarburg 38.

Most Valuable Player

Will Chevalier, 6-8, Sr., F, Kimberly
The NCAA Division I prospect was the leading scorer for Kimberly in all four of the Papermaker contests. He showed the ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter jump shot, but he also got into the lane and scored around the basket with his size. Chevalier is not a dominating rebounder or big shot blocker, but his ability to take frontline defenders away from the basket with his solid perimeter shooting touch has earned him scholarship offers to date from both Green Bay and Idaho State. One of the top players in the Fox Valley Association and in Wisconsin's talented class of 2017. 

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Jacob DeStarkey, 6-4, Sr., F, Pulaski
A physically strong combination forward who has the lateral quickness to guard on the perimeter, DeStarkey is an extremely active player who went for 29 points in a 65-52 victory over De Pere. He is an explosive jumper on offensive rebounds and uses quickness to avoid defenders on his spin move to the basket. After averaging 12.8 ppg as a junior, DeStarkey appears poised for a big senior campaign for Pulaski.

John Diener, 6-4, Jr., G, Cedarburg
Now entering his junior season, Diener already is a seasoned veteran for Cedarburg as he started as a freshman and sophomore while playing for his father and coach, Tom Diener. The De Paul University recruit is a very tough defensive assignment for opponents because of his ability to score in so many different ways. He can post-up on the blocks or away from the basket, and he uses a great pivot game to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Diener is also a very good player on the perimeter as he uses jab fakes to create space for his accurate three-point jump shot. 

Jake Graf, 6-0, Sr., PG, Brookfield East
A returning second-team all-league choice in the Greater Metro Conference, Graf competes with an edge and with plenty of confidence. He helped Brookfield East to victories over Appleton West and De Pere on Saturday, scoring 19 points and making four three-point baskets in the win over De Pere.

Jordan Johnson, 6-3, Sr., WG, Cedarburg
Johnson had the NCAA Division III coaches attending the WBY Tournament excited with his solid decision making and impressive ball skills. He shot the ball extremely well, both from long distance and from mid range. He also showed the ability to rebound and pass at a high level. Johnson competes with the Wisconsin RAP on the club circuit and with a big July could net some scholarship offers.

Ryan Krueger, 6-5, Sr., WG, Hortonville
Perhaps the most accurate three-point shooter in the state, Krueger scored in double figure in each of the Polar Bears' games at Kaukauna. He made perimeter shots from well beyond the three-point arc and also scored off of post-up moves in the lane. Krueger averaged 21.0 ppg as a junior and is player who must be covered closely on each and every possession because of his shot-making ability.  

Jack Mahoney, 6-6, Sr., F, Appleton West
A fluid athlete with very good length, Mahoney is a left-handed forward who can play inside or outside. A potential scholarship player as a left-handed pitcher in baseball, Mahoney uses his size and skill to create problems for opponents on both ends of the court. He averaged 11.2 ppg as a junior at Appleton West.

Ethan Posteluk, 6-0, Sr., G, Marshfield
Posteluk averaged 6.3 ppg as a junior at Marshfield and played very well for the Tigers at Kaukauna, averaging 14.0 ppg over four games. He is one of several Marshfield players who made perimeter shots at a high rate, netting 17 points and drilling four triples in 55-51 loss to Hortonville.

Joe Robinson, 5-11, Sr., G, De Pere
Robinson is one of the top returning players for De Pere, which competed without University of Wisconsin football recruit Aaron Vopal (6-6), who was attending a football camp at UW. Robinson averaged 7.2 ppg as a junior for coach Brian Winchester and teams in the backcourt with senior Isaac Hoffmann (6-1) to give the Redbirds an experienced guard tandem.

Alec Rosner, 6-1, Jr., PG, Kimberly
Rosner gained plenty of experience as a junior, playing the backup point-guard position while helping Kimberly to a 17-8 record and a spot in the WIAA Division 1 sectionals. He scored 12 points -- all in the second half -- in the Papermakers' victory over Cedarburg in the Pool A title game and did a good job of running the offense while not turning the ball over.

Charlie Schabo, 5-10, Sr., PG, Hortonville
A skilled point guard who has played on the varsity team in each of the past two seasons, Schabo was stellar at Kaukauna, averaging 20 points over four games for the Polar Bears. He went for 31 points and drilled seven three-point baskets in a 63-60 loss to Cedarburg and had 19 points in a hard-earned victory over Marshfield. 

Team Champion
 
Kimberly
Kimberly played the entire weekend without senior Danny VandenBoom, a 6-foot-6 forward who averaged 15.0 ppg as a junior and is one of the top-ranked quarterback prospects in the state. With VandenBoom and Chevalier on the frontline, Kimberly boasts the best forward tandem in the Fox Valley Association. Junior David DeValk (6-5) and senior Tanner Johnson (6-4) also figures to contribute heavily for the Papermakers, who received sound guard play from Rosner and senior Drew Johnson during the WBY Tournament. Senior Bennett Thies (6-4) also played big minutes and produced for Kimberly, which figures to contend for the FVA crown along with Kaukauna, Oshkosh North and Fond du Lac.

Notes
Cedarburg senior Clayton Van Tassel (5-10) gives the Bulldogs a dependable ball handler and solid defender and figures to start at point guard, allowing both Diener and Johnson to play on the wing. Juniors Matt Barber (6-6) and Hunter Lewis (6-5) played well for the Bulldogs on the frontline and provide excellent size for the pre-season favorite in the North Shore Confernece. Senior guard Jared Short (6-0) and sophomore forward Victory Novy (6-6) also figure to play prominent roles for one of the state's top WIAA Division 2 teams ... Marshfield finished 2-2, but the Tigers played very well throughout the event and could challenge Stevens Point for the Wisconsin Valley Conference title. In addition to Postulek, seniors Alec Hinson (6-0), Grant Michaelis (6-3) and Nick Stewart (6-5) performed very well, giving coach Scott Scheuer several scoring options ... Brookfield East junior Patrick Cartier (6-6) showed some signs of developing into a very productive big man in the Greater Metro as he scored 14 points in 45-41 loss to Hortonville. First-year coach Joe Rux is in a rebuilding mode with the Spartans, but they figure to be much better in 2016-17 behind the return of Graf and Cartier ... Mahoney, senior Joey Reader (6-5) and junior Josh Pitz (6-4) give Appleton West coach Brennan Hussey a solid core to build around for 2016-17. Reader is an experienced inside player who rebounds, passes and can score while Pitz provides plenty of physical play on both offense and defense ... Pulaski could very well challenge Bay Port, De Pere and a few others for the title in the Fox River Classic Conference. The Red Raiders have a veteran team that features solid size and strength and experienced backcourt play. In addition to DeStarkey, muscular frontline senior Luke Vanden Heuvel (6-3) and active senior forward Marcus Malewski (6-5) return to the frontline. In the backcourt, coach Dave Shaw has a very promising sophomore in Pierce Narges (5-11) and a dependable and experienced point guard in senior Wade Geenen (5-11) ... De Pere senior forward Max Huddleton (6-6) is back in the lineup after missing most of his junior season with an injury. He has the size and athleticism to defend players on the perimeter and in the post.

Pool B

Final Standings

Beloit Turner 4-0, Mauston 3-1, Little Chute 3-1, Oshkosh West 2-2, Richland Center 2-2, Menasha 1-3, Oconto 1-3, Green Bay West 0-4.

Title Game: Beloit Turner 65. Mauston 55

Most Valuable Player

Nacio Villarreal, 6-0, Jr., G, Beloit Turner
Hitting 15 three-point shots and averaged 22.3 ppg over four games, Villarreal was extremely impressive in Kaukauna. He drilled a game-winning three-point shot in a 44-41 double overtime victory over Little Chute, and showed the ability to weave his way to the basket for finishes at the rim. Villarreal averaged 11.7 ppg as a sophomore and is a confident, versatile offensive weapon for coach Ken Watkins and the Trojans. 

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Jacob Everson, 6-0, Soph., PG, Menasha
A smooth, steady point guard who makes good decisions and brings a high skill level to the Bluejays' lineup, Everson scored in double figures in three of four games and showed the ability to make mid-range jump shots. He can also get to the basket while looking for his teammates as well.

Alex Fruin, 6-5, Sr., G/F, Beloit Turner
A three-year varsity performer at Turner, Fruin is an outstanding passer who creates exceptionally well for his teammates. He has a good mid-range jump shots and does an excellent job of rebounding on both ends of the court. Fruin can play on the perimeter and in the post, and teams with Villarreal to give Turner two of the top players in the Rock Valley Conference.

Marc Graham, 5-11, Sr., G/F, Green Bay West
Graham is the top returning player for Green Bay West, which is in search of a new coach after Matt Bredesen left for the head coaching job at Waupaca. Graham is a sturdy wing player who gets to the basket and draws fouls. He also can hit from outside the three-point arc.

Tarren Hall, 6-2, Sr., G, Mauston
Steady, intelligent combination guard who has started at Mauston for the past three seasons, Hall scored 27 points in a victory over Oshkosh West and 22 in a triumph over Oconto. He can score off the dribble and from deep and gives Mauston coach Gil Saylor very good size and strength in the Golden Eagles' backcourt.

Derek Kroll, 6-5, Jr., F, Oshkosh West
Already a two-year varsity performer, Kroll has grown a couple of inches since the start of last season and figures to be one of the main offensive options for coach Mike Johnson at Oshkosh West. Kroll led West in scoring at Kaukauna, averaging 12.0 ppg and going for 19 in a victory over Menasha. While many of the Wildcat players are three-point shooting threats, Kroll gives his team a solid inside game with his ability to use his strength to score in the lane.

Devin Plate, 5-10, Sr., G, Little Chute
The top returning scorer for coach Mickey Martin at Little Chute, Plate averaged 11.7 ppg as a junior for the Mustangs. He played well in all four games at Kaukauna, scoring 53 points at the tournament to lead a balanced attack. Plate is a three-point shooting threat who can also get to the foul line.

Devon Schmitz, 5-11, Jr., G, Richland Center
A very quick and shifty backcourt player, Schmitz puts a lot of pressure on the defense with his ability to get into the lane and score or find teammates. He scored at a good level in Kaukauna and also drew a lot of fouls as opponents got beat off the dribble. Though on the smaller side, Schmitz is productive as he averaged 21.8 ppg as a sophomore.

Isaac Woller, 6-3, Jr., F, Oconto
Woller continued his strong play this summer with several productive outings in Kaukauna. He scored 21 points and hit a couple of three-point shots in a victory over Richland Center while averaging 12.8 ppg for the Blue Devils. His activity on defense causes disruption and his versatility on offense will be key for Oconto in 2016-17.

Team Champion
 
Beloit Turner
Beloit Turner won 16 games last winter and should again field one of the top teams in the Rock Valley Conference. In addition to Villarreal and Fruin, senior James Snyder (6-0) returns to the starting rotation. Junior Sereno Ferone (5-8) showed the ability to make long-distance shots while incoming freshman Dai'Vontrelle Strong (6-5) gives the Trojans size and length in the post.

Notes
Led by the return of two-time South Central Conference Player of the Year Tarren Hall, Mauston again boasts one of the elite teams in the six-team league. Hall was outstanding in Kaukauna and received solid support from several of his teammates, including senior Keinan Fassett (5-10), senior John Bauer (6-2) and sophomore Joe Bauer (5-10). Seniors Travis Erler (5-11) and Mitchell Burch (6-0) also performed well in Kaukauna for the Golden Eagles, who won 19 games a year ago ... Little Chute figures to contend with defending North Eastern Conference champion Luxemburg-Casco for the league title in 2016-17. Plate and senior wing guard Noah Knudsen (6-1) are solid perimeter scoring threats while sophomore Noah Mueller (6-1) does a bit of everything for the Mustangs ... Oconto lost several key players to graduation, but coach Jon Bostedt has a strong 2018 class at the school, led by Woller, wing guard Carson Moe (6-1) and forward Connor Ebben (6-3). Moe is a physically strong backcourt performer who finished with a team-high 20 points in a 48-45 loss to Little Chute while Ebben reached double figures in three of four games ... Sophomores Tony Lancaste (6-3) and A.J. Ambroso (6-0) are very good shooting threats from deep for Oshkosh West, which made 12 three-point baskets in a victory over Menasha. Junior guard Ben Kohl (5-11) along with Noah Steinhilber and Seth Lowe also made multiple triples for the Wildcats ... Coach Adam Maulick at Menasha begins his third season with a strong brother combination in senior forward Alex Everson (6-2) and sophomore point guard Jacob Everson (6-0). Both played well at Kaukauna as did junior forward Noah Johnson (6-4). Menasha could well be the most improved team in the Bay Conference next season ... Richland Center took a big step forward last season under coach Brandon Ewing, winning five games a year after going winless. Schmitz is a key returning player along with senior forward Hunter Johnson (6-6) and senior wing Noah Johnson (6-2) ... Green Bay West played without two of its key returning players in senior Anthony King (6-1) and junior Brandon Dudley (6-0). Quick senior point guard Devontay Jones (5-6) used his speed to score at times while senior wing Cardell Pointer (6-0) and junior wing Justin Kirk (5-8) made some deep perimeter jump shots.

Pool C

Final Standings

Berlin 4-0, Winnebago Lutheran 3-1, Stanley-Boyd 3-1, Algoma 2-2, Northland Pines 2-2, St. Mary Catholic 1-3, Crivitz 1-3, Brillion 0-4. 

Title Game: Berlin 49, Winnebago Lutheran 40

Most Valuable Player

Peter Bruce-Allington, 6-5, Sr., F, Berlin
One of the pleasant surprises of the entire WBY Tournament, Bruce-Allington performed exceptionally well for a Berlin squad that finished 4-0. An active, quick forward with excellent moves to the basket and the ability to finish, Bruce-Allington scored from the line, off of his drives and from deep for coach Andy Kasuboski. He finished with 15 points in the Indians' 49-40 championship-game victory over Winnebago Lutheran, and averaged 10.0 ppg as a junior. 

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Brady Booth, 6-1, Sr., G/F, Stanley-Boyd
A physical and versatile player who gives the Orioles a scoring threat in the paint, Booth is agile enough to avoid defenders and strong enough to finish through contact. A returning first-team all-Western Cloverbelt performer, Booth is the best player at drawing fouls in the Stanley-Boyd program.

Mitchell Fischer, 6-6, Sr., F, St. Mary Catholic
Fischer continues to make strides in his game as he battled the two 6-foot-7 interior players from Winnebago Lutheran well in an overtime loss. Fischer averaged 9.0 ppg and 4.2 rpg as a junior and needs to improve in both statistical categories as a senior if the Zephyrs hope to match their 16-win total of a year ago. 

Travis Giese, 6-2, Jr., F, Crivitz
Giese was near unstoppable for the Wolverines in their 59-41 victory over Brillion. The 6-foot-2 wing player scored 21 points, scoring both in the paint and from the perimeter. He averaged 6.2 ppg as a sophomore for a Crivitz squad that won 19 games and figures to be a mainstay in the lineup for coach Jeff Baumann over the next two seasons.

Max Grovogel, 6-0, Sr., G, Algoma
A two-year varsity player who has helped Algoma to 36 victories the past two seasons, Grovogel led the Wolves in scoring over four games with a game-high 15 in a victory over Northland Pines. Grovogel is a good perimeter shooter who averaged 6.3 ppg as a junior.

Mason Herkstroeter, 6-1, Jr., WG, Winnebago Lutheran
A returning starter from a club that went 16-9 and shared the Wisconsin Flyway Conference title with Omro, Herkstroeter is an aggressive wing guard who can score from deep and with his ability to penetrate defenses. He had double figures in scoring in three of four games for the Vikings.

Seth House, 5-11, Sr., G, Stanley-Boyd
After receiving second-team all-league laurels in the Western Division of the Cloverbelt Conference as a junior, House showed in Kaukauna that he will be a big-time offensive weapon for the Orioles in 2016-17. He finished in double scoring figures in each game and had 12 three-point baskets over the four contests.

Noah Lorenz, 6-7, Jr., PF, Winnebago Lutheran
A physically strong power forward who can catch the ball on the wing and use his skill, size and strength to score, Lorenz reached double figures in all four games for the Vikings. He is a good passer and ball handler, and a strong rebounder. Lorenz averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.7 rpg as a sophomore and figures to improve on those impressive stats as a junior.

Brady Polk, 6-0, Sr., PG, Berlin
After winning the skills competition at the WBY Camp at Viterbo in La Crosse earlier in the week, Polk helped Berlin to an undefeated record with his strong floor game as the Indians' starting point guard. He is a capable scorer, but his best attribute is his basketball IQ and ability to get the ball to teammates at the right time.

Tanner Schlender, 6-1, Jr., F, Brillion
Brillion finds itself in a bit of a rebuilding mode, but Schlender was a bright spot in a difficult weekend that included four losses without a victory. Schlender scored from the outside and in the lane and is a key player for a young team.

Cameron Wait, 5-8, Sr., G, Northland Pines
Wait was one of the more prolific scorers in the entire WBY Tournament as he averaged 18.5 ppg with a tournament-best 24 points against a very good Stanley-Boyd squad. One of three returning starters for first-year coach Troy Pieper, Wait scored from deep, from the foul line and in transition.

Team Champion
 
Berlin
Berlin won just seven games and finished in last place in the eight-team East Central Conference last season, but the Indians undoubtedly will not finish in the cellar in 2016-17. Bruce-Allington, Polk and junior forward Justin Bartol (6-4) provide a strong nucleus while seniors Tim DeRuyter (6-2), Jack Werch (5-9) and Jordan Krentz (6-0) also figure to play prominent roles. Berlin shared the ball, played strong team defense and gave excellent effort in all four of its games at Kaukauna.

Notes
First-year Winnebago Lutheran coach Marty Nell inherits a talented team with Herkstroeter, Lorenz and athletic senior guard Erik Schmitz (6-3) headlining the list of returning players. Look for rangy junior Alex Kuehl (6-7) to receive major minutes as he showed the ability to rebound, run the floor and defend in Kaukauna ... Stanley-Boyd finished third behind WIAA Division 5 champion McDonell Central and perennial powerhouse Regis last season in the Western Cloverbelt and with several key returning players, coach Tom House figures to have the Orioles in the hunt for the league crown in 2016-17. Booth and Seth House are the top returning players, but there is good depth as seniors Zak Ingersoll (5-8) and Brandon Milas (5-10) along with junior Brandon Herrick (5-10) also return. Herrick had 10 three-point baskets over four games for the Orioles ... Algoma hopes to challenge Oconto, Southern Door and Sturgeon Bay in the Packerland Conference behind the return of Grovogel and senior guard Casey Stangel (5-8), who combine to give coach Bob Graf a tested backcourt as both are two-year varsity performers. Senior forward Booker Prokash (6-2) also played well in Kaukauna scoring in double figures in two contests ... Northland Pines snapped its Great Northern Conference losing streak at 54 games last season and hope to make a move upward in the league standings next season behind Wait, senior Ronnie Peterson (5-9) and junior guard Mike Rosinski (5-11) ... Crivitz lost two all-league players to graduation in Blaine Bauer and Jeremy Kralovetz so the chances for another winning season will fall on the shoulders of Giese and junior guard Jakob Voss (5-9), who played well in Kaukauna, scoring in double figures in three of four contests. Senior Kershaw Stumbris (5-11), who did not play over the weekend, is another key returning player for the Wolverines ... St. Mary Catholic coach Dave Michalkiewicz was without two of the star baseball players on the Zephyrs WIAA Division 3 state championship team as senior Peyton Jack (6-1) and junior Christian Jack (6-2) did not play in Kaukauna. In addition to Fischer, the Zephyrs got some solid play from senior Jordan Lacey (6-0), a top reserve a year ago who figures to move into the starting lineup in the fall ... In addition to Schlender, Brillion received some solid performances out of senior forward Tyler Suess (6-4) and Dylan Schwartz.