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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 3 schools included in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook …

1. Racine St. Catherine's
Coach: Nick Bennett, 4th year
Top Players: Elijah Lambert (6-4, Sr., 6.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Tyrese Hunter (6-1, Jr., 14.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Kamari McGee (6-0, Jr., 10.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Jameer Barker (6-2, Jr., 5.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Calvin Hunter (5-8, Jr., 2.2 ppg), Elijah Sabala (6-1, Sr., 2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg).  
2018-19 Records: 21-4, 15-1 in Metro Classic Conference
Outlook: The junior backcourt tandem of Tyrese Hunter and Kamari McGee might be the best in Wisconsin, regardless of division. Both are NCAA Division I prospects who excel on and off the court. Hunter flashes elite-level athleticism on explosive drives to the basket while also consistently knocking down three-point jump shots while McGee is a true point guard who possesses stellar leadership skills. Senior forward Elijah Lambert is the third returning regular from a club that went 21-4 while senior Elijah Sabala and juniors Jameer Barker and Calvin Hunter figure to also play prominent roles for the Angels. The rugged competition within the Metro Classic Conference plus non-league games against Elkhorn, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, Beloit Turner, Westosha Central and West Allis Central should prepare St. Catherine's well for the WIAA playoffs. 
Coach’s Comments: "Quickness, depth and experience are among out strengths. Defensive focus, ball handling, leadership and accepting roles are question marks."

2. Delafield St. John's Military Academy
Coach: Duane Mlachnik, 4th year
Top Players: Gerald Gittens (6-0, Sr., 15.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Brandin Podziemski (6-5, Jr., 22.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Dashawn Watson (6-0, Sr., 6.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), D.C. Jensen (6-3, Sr., 3.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Brennan Timm (6-5, Jr.), Michael Kang (6-3, Soph.), Haydn Bensch (6-2, Jr.).  
2018-19 Records: 22-2, 15-0 in Midwest Classic Conference
Outlook: For the second year in a row, St. Catherine's and St. John's Military are stuck in the same sectional. That's unfortunate because the Angels and Lancers, without a doubt, are two of the top teams in the state. There are other good teams as well within the same sectional as St. Catherine's and St. John's Military so nothing is guaranteed. But the Lancers figure to have another exceptionally successful season under coach Duane Mlachnik. Three starters are back from a club that finished 22-2 in senior point guard Gerald Gittens, junior wing Brandin Podziemski and senior guard Dashawn Wilson. Gittens is a physically and mentally tough lead guard who excelled on the club circuit last spring and summer while Podziemski is the returning Player of the Year in the Midwest Classic Conference. The Lancers picked up two talented transfers in junior Brennan Timm of West Bend West and sophomore Michael Kang of Apple Valley, Minn. 
Coach’s Comments: "Speed, strength, athleticism and length on the defensive end will continue to cause problems for opponents. Heavy guard play with players who can all attack off the dribble and shoot from the perimeter also are strengths. We have no true inside presence defensively and may lack depth."

3. East Troy
Coach: Darryl Rayfield, 9th year
Top Players: AJ Vukovich (6-5, Sr., 26.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg), Chase Cummings (6-3, Soph., 7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Michael Rosin (6-1, Sr., 4.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Quinten Lottig (5-10, Sr., 12.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Ryan Nixon (6-2, Jr., 4.0 ppg), Alex Gilson-Calderon (6-4, Sr.), Collin Terpstra (6-3, Soph.), Dayne Lindow (5-7, Soph.), Ben Aleckson (6-5, Soph.).  
2018-19 Records: 21-2, 18-0 in Rock Valley Conference
Outlook: It would be difficult to argue against senior AJ Vukovich ranking among the very elite all-around athletes in the 2020 class in Wisconsin. The physically and mentally strong Vukovich committed to the University of Louisville on a baseball scholarship. He is ranked among the very best in that sport in the United States in the senior class. He's also a pretty darn good basketball player as evidenced by his 26.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg averages of a year ago. Vukovich anchors a very talented lineup for coach Darryl Rayfield that also includes two outstanding perimeter shooters in senior Quinten Lottig and sophomore Chase Cummings. Senior Michael Rosin and junior Ryan Nixon also figure to play prominent roles for the Trojans, who welcome a talented transfer in sophomore Collin Terpstra, a 6-foot-3 wing player who played major minutes for the varsity squad at Delavan-Darien as a freshman. East Troy joins St. Catherine's and St. John's Military Academy in loaded Sectional 4, making it a clean sweep for that sectional among the top three ranked teams in Division 3 entering the season.
Coach’s Comments: "Shooting, guard play and possessing several multi-skilled players are among our strong points. Toughness is a concern heading into the season."

4. Oostburg
Coach: Kevin Bruggink, 22nd year
Top Players: Cam Jaeger (6-2, Sr., 17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Ashtin Smies (6-0, Sr., 11.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Derek Oonk (6-2, Sr., 9.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Braden Dirkse (6-1, Sr., 8.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Logan Brock (6-5, Jr., 10.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Johnathan Heinen (6-6, Jr.), Brady Wisse (6-5, Jr., 3.1 ppg), Bent Batzner (6-0, Soph.), Josh Meerdink (6-2, Jr.).  
2018-19 Records: 18-6, 12-1 in Big East Conference
Outlook: The Flying Dutchmen won 18 games a year ago and welcome back five starters who accounted for 56.8 ppg and 22.3 rpg. In addition, athletic and versatile 6-foot-6 junior Johnathan Heinen, who missed all but two games last season with an injury, is expected to be back in the Oostburg rotation. That adds up to big trouble for opponents in the Blue Division of Big East Conference. Coach Kevin Bruggink's roster is loaded with size, versatility, length and skill. Leading the way is senior guard Cam Jaeger, who led the team in scoring (17.3 ppg) and finished second in rebounding (4.8 rpg). Jaeger's ability to attack the basket and make perimeter shots figures once again to give opponents fits while sparking a prolific offense. Joining Jaeger as returning regulars are Ashtin Smies, Derek Oonk, Braden Dirkse and Logan Brock. All five of the starters are capable of scoring in double figures on any given night. Meanwhile, Heinen got back into basketball-playing shape over the spring and summer with the Wisconsin Crusaders club program. His return to the Flying Dutchmen lineup gives Bruggink more depth and size, traits that figure to help his program return to the glory days of the past.
Coach’s Comments: "I believe our strengths will be perimeter shooting, attitude, experience and work ethic. I'm concerned most about our rebounding."

5. Wisconsin Dells
Coach: Brad Rohling, 14th year
Top Players: Brett Hirst (6-3, Sr., 11.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Bryson Funmaker (5-9, Sr., 9.3 ppg), Sam Millard (6-8, Sr., 8.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Riley Eck (6-2, Sr., 10.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Dylan Nevar (6-3, Sr., 5.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Jack Steinhaus (6-8, Sr.), Ben Koenig (5-11, Sr.), Jacob Rockwell (5-9, Soph.), Silas Greendeer (6-1, Jr.).  
2018-19 Records: 20-6, 9-1 in South Central Conference
Outlook: The Chiefs will attempt to earn their third straight title in the South Central Conference behind the return of four starters and nine letter winners. In addition, newcomers from a 21-1 JV squad figure to be in the fight for playing time. Coach Brad Rohling's balanced squad is led by senior wing prospects Brett Hirst and Riley Eck. Each averaged around 11 points and 2.5 rebounds as juniors and provide Wisconsin Dells with physical and mental toughness in addition to their scoring and rebounding prowess. Senior point guard Bryson Funmaker gives the Chiefs plenty of experience and speed in the backcourt while seniors Sam Millard and Jack Steinhaus anchor a talented and versatile frontline. Millard is effective inside and outside while Steinhaus, the son of former University of Wisconsin forward Gregg Steinhaus, is beginning to come into his own. The Chiefs are favored to win the league title once again and could make some serious noise on a state-wide level once the WIAA playoffs get underway.
Coach’s Comments: "Defense is our main strength along with experience and team chemistry. Consistent shooting is our biggest question mark."

6. Prescott
Coach: Nick Johnson, 9th year
Top Players: Parker Nielsen (6-4, Sr., 25.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Jacob Doffing (6-7, Sr., 15.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Dylan Malmlov (5-8, Sr., 9.2 ppg), Mason Holte (6-3, Sr., 4.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Jaden Bonin (6-0, Sr.), Lane Budworth (6-0, Sr.), Wyatt Holum (6-3, Sr.), Riley Anfinson (5-10, Sr.).  
2018-19 Records: 19-5, 11-3 in Middle Border Conference
Outlook: Led by the return of senior point guard Parker Nielsen, Prescott again looms as the team to beat in the Middle Border Conference. The Cardinals have won four outright and two shared league titles over the past six seasons under coach Nick Johnson. And with the multi-skilled Nielsen back for his final year of prep basketball, Prescott could very well wind up on top of the eight-team league once again in 2019-20. Neilsen has scored 965 points over the past three seasons and owns NCAA Division II scholarship offers from Bemidji State, Minnesota-Crookston, Minot State, Northern Michigan and West Texas A&M. He averaged 25.6 ppg as a junior to rank 13th in the state in scoring. Senior Jacob Doffing, a 6-foot-7 forward who recently committed to NCAA Division III Superior, also returns to the starting rotation and appears poised to average a double-double after coming in a 15.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg as a junior. Joining Nielsen and Doffing as a returning regular is senior guard Dylan Malmlov. The Cardinals have a senior dominated team that figures to get tested in the league and in non-league tilts against the likes of River Falls, Thorp, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau and Durand, among others.   
Coach’s Comments: "Experience and the ability to score from inside and outside makes us a well-balanced offensive team. A commitment to defense is a concern and we need to return to a brotherhood mentality."

7. Wrightstown
Coach: Cory Haese, 22nd year
Top Players: Jeremy Van Zeeland (6-3, Sr., 10.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Tyler Kroes (5-11, Sr., 4.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Sam Haese (6-3, Jr., 7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Matthew Hansen (6-3, Jr.), Jack Van Zeeland (5-10, Jr.), Grant Nemecek (6-4, Sr.), Ben Peer (6-0, Sr.), Justin Lamers (6-1, Jr.).  
2018-19 Records: 20-5, 15-3 in North Eastern Conference
Outlook: The sum is much greater than the individual parts when it comes to the Tigers of Wrightstown. Coach Cory Haese has a remarkably deep team that that must replace its top two scorers from last year's squad that went 20-5. Still, Haese can put two rotating teams of five players each on the court without losing much in terms of production. The top returning player for the Tigers is senior Jeremy Van Zeeland, who plays much taller than his 6-foot-3 height. A muscular player who can score in the lane, Van Zeeland averaged 10.0 ppg and 5.4 rpg as a junior and is the Tigers' top candidate for all-North Eastern Conference honors. Joining Van Zeeland as a returning starter is senior gguard Tyler Kroes. Haese's son, 6-foot-4 junior wing Sam Haese, is a very good shooter who can provide the Tigers with some instant offense. Wrightstown shared the league title with Freedom and Denmark last year and won the 2017-18 crown outright. Its depth could lead to a third straight championship this time around. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, toughness, willingness to defend, depth, athleticism and assist-to-turnover percentage are strengths. Lack of size, foul issues, free-throw shooting percentage and shooting are concerns."

8. Beloit Turner
Coach: Ken Watkins, 12th year
Top Players: Jordan Majeed (5-11, Sr., 18.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), DJ Wash (5-10, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 6.4 apg), Alden Tinder (6-2, Sr., 2.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Kenny Draeving (6-5, Sr., 7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Dai'Vontrelle Strong (6-6, Sr., 11.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Dylan Hoppe (6-7, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg).  
2018-19 Records: 17-8, 13-5 in Rock Valley Conference
Outlook: The quickness in the Trojans' backcourt will be something to behold this winter as seniors Jordan Majeed and DJ Wash can put extreme pressure on the basketball with their aggressiveness, speed and quickness. Majeed and Wash may lack size, but their ability to convert turnovers into quick baskets will be a huge asset for coach Ken Watkins. Seniors Kenny Draeving, Dai'Vontrelle Strong and Dylan Hoppe give Beloit Turner tremendous size, length and athleticism along the frontline. Senior wing Alden Turner joined Majeed, Wash and Draeving in the Trojans' starting rotation last season, leading the club to a 17-8 record. If all the pieces can mesh in a positive manner and the Trojans can avoid injuries, Beloit Turner could very well develop into one of the teams to beat in the Rock Valley Conference and Sectional 3. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, size, athleticism and overall talent are our assets. Chemistry and maintaining focus are among our concerns."

9. Appleton Xavier
Coach: Matt Klarner, 9th year
Top Players: John Bunks Jr. (6-4, Sr., 14.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Cal Mares (5-11, Jr., 6.4 ppg), Trent Twombly (6-2, Jr., 4.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Charlie Pfefferle (5-11, Soph., 4.8 ppg, 5.3 apg), Gus Yalden (6-8, Frosh.), Jason Blaine (6-4, Sr.), Theo Douglas (6-3, Sr.), Sean O'Shea (5-10, Sr.).  
2018-19 Records: 19-5, 13-1 in Bay Conference
Outlook: The Hawks have won the most games in Wisconsin (138) over the past six seasons and figure to fair well again in 2019-20. Xavier will attempt to win its seventh consecutive league championship behind the return of John Bunks Jr., Cal Mares, Trent Twombly and Charlie Pfefferle. All four saw considerable playing time a year ago when Xavier went 19-5. Bunks is one of the most improved players in the Bay Conference and presents match-up concerns because of size, athleticism and skill. Pfefferle and Mares comprise a skilled and quick backcourt while Twombly is a very good finisher around the basket. Freshman forward Gus Yalden is a 6-foot-8 monster who can literally do it all on the court. He has very good skills for such a young player and a body that will make it difficult for opponent's to stop near the basket. Yalden's versatility figures to mix well with the talent of the returning players in the Xavier program, making the Hawks a tough out once again under coach Matt Klarner.  
Coach’s Comments: "We should have a great mix of senior leaders and young players who are hungry and eager to prove themselves. The expectations are clear and this group will compete every day. We will need to improve our perimeter defense as the Bay Conference has several elite guards this season."

10. Lake Country Lutheran
Coach: Mark Newman, 13th year
Top Players: Joey Bratz (6-3, Sr., 13.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg), Zech Hans (6-3, Sr., 8.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg), Zander Mueller (6-1, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Luke Haertle (6-3, Soph., 16.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg), Johnny Nehls (6-3, Soph., 5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg), Gabe Snyder (6-2, Sr., 2.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Andy Schumacher (6-2, Sr., 4.0 rpg), Ben Lubbers (6-4, Soph.).  
2018-19 Records: 19-5, 13-2 in Midwest Classic Conference
Outlook: The fourth team out of Sectional 4 to be ranked among the top 10 in Division 3, Lake Country Lutheran figures to slug it out with Brookfield Academy and St. John's Military Academy fo the Midwest Classic Conference championship. Coach Mark Newman has a very deep and competitive group of returning players led by sophomore guard Luke Haertle, one of the state's top class of 2022 prospects who averaged 16.9 points and 9.9 rebounds as a freshman while helping the Lightning to a 19-5 record. Seniors Joey Bratz, Zech Hans and Zander Mueller are also returning regulars and bring plenty of length, hustle and scoring punch to the Lake Country Lutheran lineup. Seniors Andy Schumacher and Gabe Snyder along with sophomores Johnny Nehls and Ben Lubbers also figure to be in the playing rotation for Lake Country Lutheran.
Coach’s Comments: "We have a lot of experience coming back and have some very competitive kids. We can put a lot of players on the court who have high IQs. They also are in year three of our offensive system so they know the reads, counters and scoring spots better. We have a lot of interchangeable parts as far as type of athlete, size and skill set. As seems to usually be the case, we are small. Interior defense will always be a concern. We will also need to be very locked in to developing good team chemistry."

OTHERS TO WATCH
Altoona, Brown Deer, Chilton, Dominican, Edgerton, Freedom, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, Golda Meir, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Kewaunee, Laconia, Lake Mills, Lodi, Marshall, Martin Luther, Mauston, Peshtigo, Platteville, Prairie du Chien, Sheboygan Falls, St. Croix Falls. 

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