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D4 Preseason Top Ten -- Milwaukee Academy of Science tops highly competitive division

10/22/2019, 1:15pm CDT
By Mark Miller

The 2019-20 edition of the 352-page Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook is now available for purchase. Order your WBY by visiting www.wbby.com.

Here is a sneak preview of the top 10 teams in the preseason poll of Division 4 schools included in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook …


Kaleim Taylor

1. Milwaukee Academy of Science
Coach: Agape Keys, 14th year
Top Players: Kaleim Taylor (6-3, Sr., 22.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg), Amani Glosson (6-5, Sr., 10.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Darius Hannah (6-9, Sr., 11.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Donald McHenry (6-0, Jr., 20.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Brandon Wilder (5-9, Sr., 5.7 ppg), Anthony Rose (6-3, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Albert Harrell (5-6, Frosh.), Damien Brookshire (6-4, Soph.), Emmanuel Stoffel (6-3, Soph.), Leon Zollicoffer-White (6-6, Soph.), Delon Zollicoffer-White (6-5, Jr.).  
2018-19 Records: 16-10, Independent
Outlook: Any team with two NCAA Division I recruits will be viewed as a team to be reckoned with and that is definitely the case with Milwaukee Academy of Science. UW-Milwaukee recruit Kaleim Taylor and Bradley recruit Darius Hannah lead the way for a very talented and deep squad. Taylor averaged a double-double and is at his best with the game on the line. Hannah is a very long, athletic and skilled big man who missed the majority of last season with an injury. His presence in the MAS lineup makes the Novas doubly potent. Other returning starters include talented senior Amani Glosson and one of the state's premier class of 2021 prospects in Donald McHenry.
Coach’s Comments: "I'm not concerned about our team strengths or team concerns. I'm real big on my team playing their roles this year. We will play hard, stay consistent and stay focused on our goals."


Jackson Noll

2. Cuba City
Coach: Jerry Petitgoue, 49th year
Top Players: Brady Olson (6-0, Sr., 16 ppg, 10 rpg), Jackson Noll (5-10, Sr., 11 ppg, 3 rpg), Jack Miskey (6-4, Jr., 14 ppg, 9 rpg), Riley Richard (6-3, Jr., 5 ppg, 3 rpg), Tyler Jones (5-10, Jr.), Brayden Dailey (6-6, Jr.), Ian Hinderman (6-2, Soph.), Carter Olson (5-10, Soph.). 
2018-19 Records: 17-7, 10-4 in Southwest Wisconsin Activities League
Outlook: Much of the outlook for Cuba City depends on the situation surrounding Brayden Dailey, the talented 6-foot-6 junior transfer from SWAL-rival Mineral Point. At this point, the WIAA has denied eligibility for Dailey, who is considered among the top class of 2021 collegiate prospects in the state and is a scoring machine due to his smooth perimeter jump shot and his athleticism off the bounce. Cuba City and the Dailey family are appealing that ruling and no final decision has been made as of Oct. 22. Cuba City obviously is a better team with Dailey in its lineup, but even if the WIAA denies eligibility to the junior sharpshooter, the Cubans will field a very talented squad. Guards Jackson Noll and Brady Olson are quick, skilled and play with a chip on their shoulder that usually leads to positive results. Junior forward Jack Miskey is likely to average a double-double and continues to earn rave reviews from his coach, Jerry Petitgoue. Junior Riley Richard and talented sophomores Ian Hinderman and Carter Olson also figure to play key roles for the Cubans. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, size and shooting are among our strengths. Depth is a concern. I think Mineral Point, Darlington and Fennimore in our league are all very, very good teams."


Max Kunnert

3. Brookfield Academy
Coach: Pat Clarey, 10th year
Top Players: Aidan Clarey (6-2, Sr., 19.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Logan Landers (6-8, Jr., 14.1 ppg, 12.5 rpg), Max Kunnert (6-3, Jr., 13.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Alex Leach (6-6, Sr., 11.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Peytan Clarey (6-3, Soph., 2.3 ppg), Daveon Turner (5-7, Jr.). 
2018-19 Records: 20-6, 12-3 in Midwest Classic Conference
Outlook: The balance, talent and inside-outside scoring options available for coach Pat Clarey at Brookfield Academy are all exceptionally impressive heading into the 2019-20 campaign. Aidan Clarey, a NCAA Division II recruit for Rockhurst College, and Max Kunnert can ring the bell from well beyond the three-point arc, but both can also attack the basket, using their speed, aggressiveness and skill to get to the rim and draw fouls. In the paint, Logan Landers is one of the top rebounders in the state while Alex Leach gives the Blue Knights a physical inside presence. Junior guard Daveon Turner is a blur with the basketball in his hands while sophomore Peytan Clarey continues to grow and mature and should be a key performer for his father's squad this winter. Brookfield Academy fans will find out in a hurry where the team stands as the Blue Knights open the season with a non-league game against Milwaukee King at the Terry Porter Classic before hosting defending Midwest Classic Conference champion Delafield St. John's Military Academy.  
Coach’s Comments: "Our strengths include our ability to stay awake during file sessions, taking turns at the drinking fountain and being on time for team meals. We view this season as a movie. Everybody has a role in the movie, some big parts and others not so big. All of them are important for the movie to be a success. Each player must accept their role and do it to the best of their ability. If they want a starring role they need to go to acting school before the season starts."


Vaughn Breit

4. Stratford
Coach: Curt Schmidt, 20th year
Top Players: Vaughn Breit (6-5, Sr., 13.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Ben Barten (6-5, Sr., 15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Chandler Schmidt (6-2, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Teddy Redman (6-0, Sr., 6.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Dawson Danen (6-3, Sr., 3.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Max Vanderhoof (5-7, Jr., 2.1 ppg). 
2018-19 Records: 24-1, 16-0 in Marawood South Conference
Outlook: After rattling off 24 consecutive wins to open the season, Stratford sustained a 70-64 loss to Wisconsin Dells in the WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinals. The Tigers drop to Division 4 this time around and are poised to make more noise on a state-wide level. Coach Curt Schmidt has three starters and three key backups returning. Seniors Vaughn Breit, Ben Barten and Chandler Schmidt are returning regulars and form the nucleus for coach Schmidt's 20th squad at Stratford. Breit is a versatile 6-foot-5 forward who does a bit of everything for the Tigers. A three-year varsity performer heading into his final year of prep basketball, Breit can pass, score, rebound and defend multiple positions. Barten is a University of Wisconsin football recruit who joined Breit on the all-Marawood South Conference team as a junior. Speaking of the Marawood South, the rigid competition Stratford encounters on a nightly basis in that league figures to prepare the Tigers well for the WIAA playoffs.
Coach’s Comments: "We will be very experienced. We have some height and skill as well. Overall team quickness is our biggest concern heading into the season."


Isaac Lindsey

5. Mineral Point
Coach: Dan Burreson, 25th year
Top Players: Isaac Lindsey (6-4, Sr., 20.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Wes Berget (6-5, Sr., 10.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg), Blaise Watters (5-11, Sr., 5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Liam Stumpf (6-1, Jr., 8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Joah Filardo (6-1, Soph., 4.9 ppg), Ian Keys (6-2, Jr.). 
2018-19 Records: 17-7, 11-3 in Southwest Wisconsin Activities League
Outlook: Led by UNLV recruit Isaac Lindsey, Mineral Point looks to achieve more success and make a deep run in the WIAA playoffs under veteran coach Dan Burreson in 2019-20. The Pointers can rely once again on the considerable skills of Lindsey, a terrific perimeter shooter and three-time first-team all-SWAL performer. In addition to his ability to score, Lindsey also is a stellar leader for the Pointers, who figure to get plenty of challenges within the SWAL once again this winter. Senior forward Wes Berget and senior guard Blaise Watters also are returning starters for Mineral Point. Junior Liam Stumpf is a strong all-around athlete who started the second half of last season while sophomore Joah Filadro could emerge as a key scoring threat while taking some pressure off of Lindsey and Berget in that regard.
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, guard play and team defense are assets. Depth and rebounding are our top concerns."

6. Unity
Coach: Shaun Fisher, 11th year
Top Players: Jaxon Flaherty (6-1, Sr., 18.4 ppg), Cullen Feist (6-5, Sr., 10.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Dan Sorensen (6-5, Sr., 10.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Lukas Flaherty (6-3, Sr., 5.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Zach Collins (6-2, Jr., 5.9 ppg), Thomas Cable (6-5, Sr., 2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Heath Foeller (6-1, Jr.), Adam Weihe (5-10, Jr.). 
2018-19 Records: 16-8, 9-3 in Lakeland West Conference
Outlook: The Eagles hope to take flight in a very competitive Western Division of the Lakeland Conference that also includes strong teams at St. Croix Falls, Luck, Grantsburg and defending league-champion Webster. Coach Shaun Fisher welcomes back all five starters from a club that won 16 games, including all-Lakeland West performers Jaxon Flaherty (first team), Cullen Feist (second team) and Dan Sorensen (honorable mention). Senior Lukas Flaherty and junior Zach Collins joined the three previously mentioned performers in the Eagles' starting rotation last winter. Newcomers from a 16-5 JV team along with senior Thomas Cable and junior Heath Foeller also figure to play roles for Unity. 
Coach’s Comments: "We will have a solid group of experienced players who will work hard and compete every game. We will be aggressive on both ends of the floor with our length and athleticism. We will work on our depth, especially at the guard positions, as the season progresses."


Carter Lancaster

7. Darlington
Coach: Tom Uppena, 4th year
Top Players: Carter Lancaster (6-4, Jr., 15 ppg, 8 rpg), Cayden Rankin (6-5, Jr., 4 ppg, 4 rpg), Michael Riley (5-10, Sr., 2 ppg, 2 rpg), Ross Stauffacher (6-5, Sr.), Curtis Stone (5-10, Jr.), Parker Fitzsimons (6-0, Jr.), Matt Ruf (6-2, Jr.), Easton Evenstad (6-0, Soph.), Hunter Hardyman (6-3, Soph.). 
2018-19 Records: 20-3, 13-1 in Southwest Wisconsin Activities League
Outlook: The third team from the SWAL to be ranked among the top 10 in Division 4, Darlington is the defending league champion, but coach Tom Uppena must replace four starters from a club that went 20-3. Junior Carter Lancaster is a two-year regular and one of the better all-around players in Wisconsin in the class of 2021. Lancaster does a bit of everything for the Redbirds, but his biggest asset might be his ability to defend multiple positions. That will come in handy in a star-studded league like the SWAL. Senior Michael Riley and junior Cayden Rankin were backups last winter and should challenge for starting spots this time around. Senior Ross Stauffacher provides size at 6-foot-5 after sitting out last season. Newcomers from a 20-1 JV squad also will be in the mix for the Redbirds. 
Coach’s Comments: "Athleticism and length are strong points while team defense and lack of experience are among our concerns."


Alex King

8. Neillsville
Coach: Mike Gaier, 4th year
Top Players: Alex King (6-3, Sr., 21.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Braden Trunkel (5-11, Jr., 15.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Monte Diestler (6-1, Sr., 10.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Isaac Weiers (6-5, Sr., 8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Joe Katcher (6-2, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Dominic Elmhorst (6-2, Sr., 2.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Santana Subke (6-4, Soph.), Drew Brown (5-8, Frosh.). 
2018-19 Records: 17-7, 13-3 in Eastern Cloverbelt Conference
Outlook: The first goal for Neillsville is to end Columbus Catholic's four-year stranglehold on the championship in the Eastern Cloverbelt Conference. The Warriors have the talent, size, depth and hunger to do just that in 2019-20 as coach Mike Gaier welcomes back four starters and two key reserves from a club that went 17-7. Toss in two talented newcomers and it's easy to see why Neillsville is the preseason pick to win the league title, despite a nine-game losing streak to Columbus Catholic that dates back to 2014. Senior guard Alex King is a do-everything type of performer who averaged 21.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a junior. King is receiving recruiting attention from several NCAA Division II programs. Joining King as returning regulars are seniors Monte Diestler and Isaac Weiers along with junior Braden Trunkel. Seniors Joe Katcher and Dominic Elmhorst provide quality depth while newcomers Santana Subke and Drew Brown also figure to be in the playing rotation.  
Coach’s Comments: "Depth, experience and athleticism are all strong points. Rebounding is our top concern."


Corbin Lorge

9. Shiocton
Coach: Chad Schmidt, 22nd year
Top Players: Corbin Lorge (6-3, Sr., 13 ppg, 7 rpg), Austin Vanden Bosch (6-3, Sr., 13 ppg, 6 rpg), Derek Bedor (6-5, Sr., 13 ppg, 7 rpg), Deven Bedor (6-1, Sr., 7 ppg, 4 rpg), Cole Wilcox (5-11, Sr., 9 ppg, 3 rpg), Caden Schmidt (6-1, Jr., 4 ppg, 2 rpg), Hudson Spencer (5-11, Jr., 2 ppg), Jack Scott (5-10, Jr.). 
2018-19 Records: 18-6, 11-1 in Central Wisconsin East Conference
Outlook: Shiocton has fielded consistently strong teams for quite a while now under veteran coach Chad Schmidt. Over the last eight seasons, the Chiefs have gone 87-21 in league play with three championships and three runner-up finishes. During that time span, Shiocton has won five regional titles and finished with a 137-59 overall record. Look for that type of success to continue in 2019-20 as five senior starters are back from a team that won 18 of 24 games.  Forwards Corbin Lorge, Austin Vanden Bosch and Derek Bedor are returning double-figure scorers while guards Deven Bedor and Cole Wilcox do an excellent job of getting to the ball to their teammates in scoring position. Juniors Caden Schmidt, Hudson Spencer and Jack Scott also figure to be in the playing rotation for the Chiefs.
Coach’s Comments: "Varsity experience, good depth, diverse skilled scorers on offense, a good inside-outside game, good overall length, shot blocking, rebounding, team chemistry and culture are strengths. Our kids love the game. Physical strength and overall quickness are concerns." 


Dawson Andrist

10. Crivitz
Coach: Jeff Baumann, 12th year
Top Players: Dawson Andrist (6-0, Sr., 14.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Jaden Werner (5-10, Sr., 14.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Chandler Kaldenberg (6-3, Sr., 14.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Eian Baumann (6-1, Jr., 8.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Kougar Wagner (6-3, Jr., 2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Trey Franzen (5-10, Jr., 4.0 ppg), Alec Grandaw (6-2, Jr., 2.9 ppg). 
2018-19 Records: 18-6, 11-1 in Central Wisconsin East Conference
Outlook: With Peshtigo moving to the Packerland Conference following the 2016-17 season, Crivitz has emerged as the dominant program in the Marinette & Oconto Conference. The two-time defending league champions are heavy favorites to make in three in a row with the return of five regulars from a squad that went 16-0 in the league and 20-3 overall. Seniors Dawson Andrist and Jaden Werner are returning first-team all-league performers while senior Chandler Kaldenberg earned second-team laurels. Junior Eian Baumann, the son of the head coach, is a good all-around athlete and terrific leader, while junior Kougar Werner provides some size on the interior at 6-foot-3. Crivitz beefed up its non-league schedule in order to be better prepared for the Division 4 playoffs, scheduling contests with Oconto, Peshtigo, Shiocton, Wabeno/Laona, Crandon and Bonduel. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, quickness, defense and passing are among our strong suits. Team size and shooting consistency are question marks."

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH
Auburndale, Coleman, Deerfield, Durand, Howards Grove, Iola-Scandinavia, Kohler, Lourdes Academy, Luther, Manawa, Manitowoc Lutheran, Melrose-Mindoro, New Glarus, Palmyra-Eagle, Regis, River Ridge, Roncalli, Southern Door, Spring Valley, Winnebago Lutheran.

For the latest and most up to date boys' basketball news and recruiting information, follow Mark on Twitter @wisbbyearbook. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Mark by clicking here.

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