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D5 Preseason Top Ten -- Blair-Taylor welcomes back strong roster from 24-2 squad

10/28/2020, 4:00pm CDT
By Mark Miller

Matthew Waldera

The 2020-21 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 5 schools included in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook …

1. Blair-Taylor
Coach: Randy Storlie, 31st year
Top Players: Matthew Waldera (6-5, Sr., 15.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg), Kyle Steien (6-2, Sr., 16.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Alec Riesmann (6-2, Sr., 10.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Cain Fremstad (6-3, Jr., 3.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Tyler Thompson (6-3, Sr., 3.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg).  
2019-20 Records: 24-2, 14-0 in Dairyland Small Conference
Outlook: The Wildcats were a victory over Wauzeka-Steuben away from qualifying for the WIAA State Tournament last March when COVID wiped out the sectional-final contest between the two clubs. Coach Randy Storlie, who needs 17 victories to reach 600 for his remarkable coaching career, welcomes back three-double digit scorers and proven performers in seniors Matthew Waldera, Kyle Steien and Alec Riesmann. Waldera is one of the better wing prospects in the state in the 2021 class while Steien and Riesmann provide good overall size, versatility and scoring punch to the Wildcats' lineup. The key for Blair-Taylor will be to find some players behind the Big Three. Junior Cain Fremstad and senior Tyler Thompson are potential starters after seeing considerable playing time off the bench in 2019-20. 
Coach’s Comments: "We return plenty of firepower and plenty of experience in three returning players and numerous guys who have played in big games in the past two seasons. This group has won conference and regional championships the past two seasons. We have nice overall size and great team chemistry."


Preston Ruedinger

2. Lourdes Academy
Coach: Dennis Ruedinger, 18th year
Top Players: Preston Ruedinger (6-2, Sr., 27.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Josh Bauer (6-1, Sr., 15.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Jack McKellips (6-0, Sr., 10.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Jack Huizenga (6-0, Sr., 5.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Nathan Slagter (6-5, Sr., 4.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Malith Liabwill (6-4, Jr.), Jack Seibold (6-0, Jr.), Dominic Kane (6-0, Jr.), J.J. McKellips (6-5, Frosh.).  
2019-20 Records: 22-3, 14-0 in Trailways East Conference
Outlook: The Knights strong senior class will attempt to make if four years in a row without a loss in the Eastern Division of the Trailways Conference this winter. Coach Dennis Ruedinger will rely heavily on the considerable talents of his son, senior point guard Preston Ruedinger. Preston Ruedinger averaged a whopping 27.2 points as a junior and owns scholarship offers from a number of NCAA Division II programs. He plans to play out the season before making a collegiate decision. Seniors Josh Bauer, Jack McKellips and Jack Huizenga also figure to play prominent roles for Lourdes, which lost senior forward Nathan Slagter to an ACL injury. Newcomers from a JV1 team that finished 21-1 provide quality depth for the Knights. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, guard play and team chemistry are all strengths. Rebounding and interior defense are concerns."


Brayden Haffele

3. Randolph
Coach: Tyler Fischer, 8th year
Top Players: Brayden Haffele (6-1, Sr., 9.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Parker Kohn (6-2, Sr., 8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Sam Grieger (6-3, Jr., 13.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Travis Alvin (6-3, Jr., 14.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Tanner Moldenhauer (6-5, Jr., 2.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Caden Spors (5-11, Sr., 2.4 ppg), Jordan Tietz (5-11, Sr.).  
2019-20 Records: 23-3, 12-2 in Trailways West Conference
Outlook: Seven seasons have come and gone since the last time Randolph played in the WIAA State Tournament. That's not a long time for most programs, but for the Rockets it must seem like an eternity. Randolph has played in the state's biggest event 15 times, including nine time since the start of the new century. Randolph's scheduled sectional-final contest with Sheboygan Lutheran was not played due to COVID-19, but the Rockets are back again this time around with four starters returning from a club that went 23-3. Returning regulars include seniors Brayden Haffele and Parker Kohn, along with juniors Sam Grieger and Travis Alvin. The Rockets boast good overall size, a long-time trademark of the program, and should be battle-tested once the playoffs roll around competing in the very competitive Trailways West Conference along with the likes of Cambria-Friesland, Pardeeville, Rio and Markesan. 
Coach’s Comments: "Experience, size and team chemistry are assets for our squad. Depth, backcourt experience and ball handling are among our concerns."


Jonah Jurss

4. Sheboygan Lutheran
Coach: Nick Verhagen, 9th year
Top Players: Casey Verhagen (6-1, Jr., 19.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 9.3 apg), Robby Michael (5-11, Jr., 10.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.9 apg), Jonah Jurss (6-2, Sr., 9.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.0 apg), Andrew Verhelst (6-4, Soph., 3.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Matt Witte (6-1, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Jackson Holzheimer (6-6, Jr., 2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), JT Schultz (6-1, Sr., 2.1 ppg).  
2019-20 Records: 25-1, 18-1 in Big East South Conference
Outlook: The Crusaders were on the verge of possibly winning back-to-back WIAA Division 5 state titles when COVID-19 shut down the season on March 12. Coach Nick Verhagen had guided Sheboygan Lutheran to a 25-1 record behind the outstanding all-around play of Valparaiso recruit Jacob Ognacevic, who averaged 39.4 points and 16.1 rebounds. With Ognacevic moving on to the collegiate level, the Crusaders might have a different look this winter, but there remains plenty of talent and hunger in the program. Junior point guard Casey Verhagen is lightning-fast with the ball in his hands and is relentless in attacking the basket. He averaged almost 10 assists a game as a sophomore. Senior Jonah Jurss is one of the top defenders in the state while senior Matt Witte, junior Robby Michael and sophomore Andrew Verhelst also played big roles a year ago. The Crusaders have won 52 of 55 games over the past two seasons and more success seems very likely in 2020-21.
Coach’s Comments: "Our kids play with confidence and I feel our conditioning, chemistry and defensive intensity will be strengths. Interior defense, rebounding and consistent scoring are question marks."


Gavin Ralph

5. Wauzeka-Steuben
Coach: Isaiah Okey, 1st year
Top Players: Gavin Ralph (6-3, Sr., 16.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Nate Martin (5-9, Sr.), Zach Martin (5-9, Sr.), Jonah Reichmann (5-11, Jr., 2.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Isaac Reichmann (5-11, Jr., 2.5 ppg), Garrett Kapinus (6-0, Jr., 2.4 ppg), Ethan Karnopp (5-8, Sr.), Brad Karnopp (5-10, Sr.).  
2019-20 Records: 22-3, 14-0 in Ridge & Valley Conference
Outlook: The Hornets lost two key players to graduation in Carter Lomas (23.1 ppg) and Jake Reichmann (10.4 ppg), and the program also lost veteran coach Gary Hines, who has retired. Isaiah Okey moves up from his assistant-coaching role to take over the head-coaching duties. He does so at a good time as Wauzeka-Steuben figures to field another strong team despite the heavy graduation losses. The two-time defending Ridge & Valley Conference champions will turn to senior Gavin Ralph to provide leadership, scoring and rebounding. A three-time first-team all-league performer, Ralph is a scoring wing who plays with good energy and versatility. Juniors Jonah Reichmann and Isaac Reichmann figure to play key roles alongside Ralph. 
Coach’s Comments: "This year's team should benefit from its quickness and the number of players with varsity experience. But we have some big shoes to fill after graduating two of our top players in Carter Lomas and Jake Reichmann. The team also doesn't have a lot of height."


Dylan Kuehl

6. Hustisford
Coach: To be named
Top Players: Dylan Kuehl (6-6, Sr., 24 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Brody Thimm (6-2, Sr., 6.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Gavin Thimm (6-3, Jr., 11.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Blake Peplinski (6-2, Jr., 5.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Alex Eggleston (6-8, Sr., 3.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Dylan Kaemmerer (6-3, Sr.), Braden Peplinski (6-3, Jr.), Josh Peplinski (6-1, Jr.), Luke Parker (5-9, Jr.).  
2019-20 Records: 22-4, 12-2 in Trailways East Conference
Outlook: Coach Jake Falkenthal has decided to take a leave of absence for a season for family reasons, but the Falcons nonetheless figure to have yet another strong squad. After finishing 22-4 a year ago, Hustisford returns one of the state's top players in athletic 6-foot-6 senior Dylan Kuehl, a returning first-team all-league player who can score, rebound and defend. The NCAA Division II recruit for Northern Michigan averaged 24.0 points and 6.4 rebounds as a junior. Senior Brody Thimm and junior Gavin Thimm join Kuehl as returning starters while 6-8 Alex Eggleston and 6-2 Blake Peplinski were top reserves a year ago. 
Coach’s Comments: "Height, depth, athleticism, rebounding and post play are strengths. Outside shooting, defensive quickness are questions." -- Jake Falkenthal


Zane Langrehr

7. Bangor
Coach: Jacob Pederson, 3rd year
Top Players: Zane Langrehr (6-3, Sr., 14.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Hank Reader (6-0, Sr., 11.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Mathieu Oesterle (5-11, Jr., 6.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Will Reader (6-1, Jr., 6.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Tanner Jones (5-10, Soph., 5.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Sam Wittmershaus (6-4, Sr., 2.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg), Dustin McDonald (6-0, Soph.), Dawson Daines (6-0, Jr.).  
2019-20 Records: 24-2, 14-0 in Scenic Bluffs Conference
Outlook: The Cardinals enter the new campaign with a 57-game winning streak within the Scenic Bluffs Conference. The four-time defending league champions are favored to extend the streak and win yet another league title behind the return of four regulars from a team that went 24-2. Senior guard Zane Langrehr is the top returning player for Bangor. His size, skill and versatility are difficult to match as he can play multiple positions on the floor. Senior Hank Reader, junior Mathieu Oesterle and junior Will Reader are key returning performers in addition to Langrehr. Coach Jacob Peterson, who has guided Bangor to a 49-4 record the past two seasons, also welcomes back experienced reserves Tanner Jones and Sam Wittermershaus. 
Coach’s Comments: "Quickness, athleticism and depth are strong points while size and team chemistry are concerns."


Nathan Gibbs

8. Port Edwards
Coach: Justin Beck, 2nd year
Top Players: Quinton Tranel (6-0, Sr., 21.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Nathan Gibbs (6-2, Soph., 11.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg), David Gibbs (6-2, Sr., 10.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Alex Hernandez (5-11, Sr., 4.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Ben Hanten (6-4, Sr., 4.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Carsen Parks (5-10, Sr., 4.0 ppg), Zack Peterson (5-10, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Tim Tranel (5-10, Soph.).  
2019-20 Records: 13-10, 5-7 in Central Wisconsin South Conference
Outlook: With virtually its entire roster back from a year ago, Port Edwards is the choice to win the always-competitive Southern Division of the Central Wisconsin Conference. Second-year coach Justin Beck boasts three returning double-figure scorers in Quinton Tranel, Nathan Gibbs and David Gibbs. Tranel is one of the league's top performers as he averaged more than 20 points and six rebounds as a junior en route to earning first-team all-league honors. In addition, four other returning players also received substantial playing time a year ago for a team that went 13-10 and got better as the season progressed.  
Coach’s Comments: "Our guards have good experience and have already carried the bulk of the scoring. With them all returning, we should be much stronger offensively and, hopefully, can control the tempo. Our length will also help us create some issues for our opponents and helps us with rebounding. Depth at the big positions and free-throw shooting are concerns."

9. Clear Lake
Coach: Jason Sargent, 20th year
Top Players: Riley Peterson (6-5, Jr., 13.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Tyson Blanchard (6-4, Jr., 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Alex St. John (6-0, Sr., 5.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Ashtyn O'Brien (6-7, Sr., 4.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Brayden O'Brien (6-7, Sr., 2.7 ppg), Adam Loenser (6-1, Sr.), Caleb Logan (5-10, Jr.).  
2019-20 Records: 20-5, 10-0 in Lakeland Central Conference
Outlook: Clear Lake enters the campign with 41 consecutive victories in the Central Division of the Lakeland Conference. The four-time defending league champions could definitely make it five in a row in 2020-21 as the Warriors boast tremendous size for a Division 5 school. Riley Peterson (6-5) and Tyson Blanchard (6-4) are returning starters from a club that went 20-5, and each player earned first-team all-league recognition. Senior Alex St. John (6-0) and senior twins Ashtyn O'Brien (6-7) and Brayden O'Brien (6-7) all saw considerable action in reserve roles.   
Coach’s Comments: "We have our two leading scorers and rebounders back in Riley Peterson and Tyson Blanchard so we will look for them to be our leaders, especially early on. We have great team size with Riley and Tyson at 6-5 and 6-4, respectively, and also bring back the O'Brien twins at 6-6 or 6-7. Although we have a solid group of returning players, we lack in overall varsity experience and court time. Many players will have to learn new roles and we have to rebuild our defense and get our players to buy into working hard on the defensive end and rebounding consistently on both ends of the court."


Dom Croci

10. Hurley
Coach: Mike Swartz, 7th year
Top Players: Tony Cummings (6-2, Jr., 12.7 ppg, 10.6 rpg), Braxton Sbraggia (6-3, Jr., 11.4 ppg, 10.9 rpg), Eli Talsma (6-1, Soph., 12.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Dom Croci (6-0, Soph., 9.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Derek Ransanici (5-10, Jr., 5.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg).  
2019-20 Records: 18-6, 13-3 in Indianhead Conference
Outlook: Hurley remains on the young side as coach Mike Swartz did not list one senior among his top returning players. However, varsity playing time is not in short supply as juniors Tony Cummings and Braxton Sbraggia along with sophomores Eli Talsma and Dom Croci are returning starters from a club that went 18-6 and finished one game behind Mellen in the Indianhead Conference standings. All four returning regulars are more than capable of scoring in double figures on any given night, giving Hurley balanced scoring and multiple offensive weapons. In addition to the four returning starters, Hurley also welcomes back key reserve Derek Ransanici.    
Coach’s Comments: "Varsity playing time experience is our top strength. Depth and staying out of foul trouble are question marks."

OTHERS TO WATCH: Almond-Bancroft, Athens, Barneveld, Bayfield, Birchwood, Cambria-Friesland, Columbus Catholic, Drummond, Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran, Florence, Greenwood, Lake Holcombe, Monticello, North Crawford, Northwood, Reedsville, Seneca, Shullsburg, Wabeno/Laona, Wild Rose, Wisconsin Valley 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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