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Division 1 Girls Basketball Preseason Top 10

11/19/2024, 3:00pm CST
By Norbert Durst

WisSports.net Division 1 Preseason Rankings

1. Pewaukee
Coach: Jim Reuter, 7th year - 143-24 record 
Returning Starters: Amy Terrian (5-9, sr., 18.4 ppg, 101 3PM, 5.2 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.3 spg), Giselle Janowski (5-8, jr., 15 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.5 spg), Anna Terrian (5-9, sr., 9.3 ppg, 44 3PM, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.9 spg), Kylie Pieper (5-8, jr., 7.9 ppg, 2.1 apg, 1.9 spg), Kennedy Retherford (5-9, sr., 7.6 ppg, 1.7 apg) 
Other Returning Players: Maddie Chabot (6-0, jr., 5.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Ella Opie (5-6, sr.), Vanessa Johnson (5-7, jr.), Aubree Spitzner (5-10, jr.), Maggie Ratelis (5-10, jr.), Kendall Pieper (5-8, soph.), Eva Denzien (5-10, soph.) 
Newcomers: Addy O'Connor (5-5, soph.), Lucy May (5-6, soph.), Alyssa Gloudeman (frosh.) 
2023-24 Record: 29-1, 12-0 in Woodland West 
2023-24 Finish: Claimed the Division 2 state championship, beating Notre Dame, 60-52, in the title game. 

The Pirates returned nearly their entire roster from last year’s team which won the Division 2 state championship. Highlighting the roster for the Pirates is Amy Terrian, a Michigan State recruit, who led the team in scoring and was third in the state in three-pointers made (101) last season. Giselle Janowski, a Wisconsin recruit, and Anna Terrian, a Michigan State recruit, are other top returning players for Pewaukee which was elevated to Division 1 this season in the first year of the Competitive Balance Plan taking effect. Pewaukee posted non-league wins over Arrowhead and Kimberly last season; the Pirates' only loss last was against Nazareth Academy (IL). Pewaukee opens the season at home against Notre Dame on November 21. Other notable non-conference games for the Pirates include Hortonville (Nov. 29), Homestead (Dec. 21), Arrowhead (Jan. 11), Kimberly (Feb. 1), and Laconia (Feb. 22). Pewaukee is in Sectional 2, which is loaded with quality teams, including Hartford, Homestead, Kimberly, and Notre Dame. Pewaukee enters the year with a 15-game winning streak.  

2. Arrowhead 
Coach: Ron Reichle, 9th season (non-consecutive) - 123-68 record 
Returning Starters: Natalie Kussow (5-11, jr., 23.7 ppg, 82 3PM, 7.5 rpg, 2 apg, 2.9 spg), Presly Samz (5-7, jr., 7.1 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg) 
Other Returning Players: Sidney Zehner (5-8, soph., 3.4 ppg), Teresa Kescenovitz (6-0, sr.), Miranda Knuth (5-2, sr.), Gabby Haas (5-4, sr.), Megan Getty (6-1, sr.), Landry Nelson (5-8, sr.) 
Newcomers: Karina Klemz (5-11, soph., transfer), MacKennah Haase (5-10, jr.), Avery Daun (5-5, jr.), Alison Heimisch (5-4, jr.), Elly Peterson (5-10, soph.), Addi Pommerening (5-10, soph.)
Starters Lost: Abby Robel (9 ppg), Erica Bub (8.2 ppg), Libby Gilmore (5-11, jr., 8.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 spg; out for season with ACL injury) 
2023-24 Record: 27-3, 14-0 in Classic Eight
2023-24 Finish: Captured the Division 1 state championship, beating Neenah, 69-59, in the title game. 

Natalie Kussow, one of the top juniors in the nation who holds a long list of scholarship offers, headlines the roster for Arrowhead. Kussow was fourth in Division 1 in scoring (23.7 ppg) last season and among the best three-point shooters in the state. Presly Samz (D-I Lipscomb recruit) joins Kussow as a returning starter for the defending D1 state champions. Arrowhead's list of non-league games includes Edgewood (Nov. 23), Pewaukee (Jan. 11), Notre Dame (Feb. 20), and Hortonville (Feb. 22). The Warhawks are the clear favorite to come out of Sectional 3. 

3. Hartford
Coach: Vinny Daniels, 5th year - 73-33 record 
Returning Starters: Makena Christian (6-0, sr., 25.3 ppg, 76 3PM, 9.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.2 spg), Rita Kuepper (5-7, soph., 12.1 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.2 spg), Bella Klages (5-11, jr., 10.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg), Alexis Shelsta (5-7, soph., 6.8 ppg), Lauren Voss (5-7, jr., 3.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.9 spg)
Other Notable Returning Players: Taressa Hennes (6-0, soph., 6 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Regan Resheske (5-3, jr., 1.7 spg), Amelia Szczepanski (6-2, jr.), Teaghan Smith (5-6, jr.),
Starters Lost: None 
2023-24 Record: 26-3, 15-1 in North Shore (co-champions with Homestead) 
2023-24 Finish: Lost to D1 state runner-up Neenah, 77-70, in a state semifinal. 

The Orioles return everyone from their main rotation from last year’s team which reached the state tournament. Makena Christian, the reigning North Shore Player of the Year, headlines the roster. The Minnesota recruit was third in Division 1 in scoring with 25.3 points per game last season. Bella Klages and Rita Kuepper join Christian as top returning players for the Orioles. Hartford has notable non-league contests versus Notre Dame (Nov. 30 at Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic), Wisconsin Lutheran (Dec. 7), and Pius XI Catholic (Dec. 27 at the Hartford Holiday Shootout). Hartford is in the toughest sectional (Sectional 2), which includes Pewaukee, Homestead, Kimberly, and Notre Dame. 

4. Kimberly
Coach: Dave Lepisto, 3rd year - 39-16
Returning Starters: Kate McGinnis (5-9, sr., 18.3 ppg, 73 3PM, 5.1 rpg, 1.7 spg), Raegan Krueger (6-1, jr., 10.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Ava Van Vonderen (6-1, soph., 9.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Haylie Dulas (5-11, soph., 8.4 ppg), Emily Urban (5-4, jr., 6.8 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.3 spg), Bentley Drout (5-3, sr., 5.1 ppg) 
Other Returning Players: Kennedy Ebben (5-7, soph.), Claudia Asman (6-1, jr.), Sydney Woelfel (5-10, sr.), Ayla Raasch (5-7, jr.) 
Newcomers: Kylie VerBockel (6-1, soph.), Kendyll Brochtrup (5-11, soph.)
Starters Lost: Jadyn Dietrich
2023-24 Record: 23-4, 16-2 in FVA (2nd)
2023-24 Finish: Lost to state qualifier Hartford, 83-63, in a sectional semifinal. 

The Papermakers return six players who saw action in last year’s starting five, highlighted by Kate McGinnis, a D-I Belmont recruit, who was third in the FVA in scoring and one of the top three-point shooters in the state last season. Other top returnees include Raegan Krueger (D-II Minnesota Duluth recruit), Ava Van Vonderen (D-I prospect), Haylie Dulas (D-I prospect), and Emily Urban. Kimberly is in Sectional 2, which is loaded after adding Pewaukee and Notre Dame to a sectional that was strong last season. Other top teams in the sectional are Hartford and Homestead. The Papermakers have notable non-league contests against Brookfield East (Nov. 23), Oak Creek (Dec. 28), West De Pere (Jan. 21), Pewaukee (Feb. 1), and Notre Dame (Feb. 13).  

5. Hortonville 
Coach: AC Clouthier, 6th year - 108-29 overall | 47-10 in two years at Hortonville 
Returning Starters: Rainey Welson (5-10, sr., 23.3 ppg, 84 3PM, 3.5 apg, 2.1 spg), Kardyn Peppler (5-7, soph., 9.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.8 spg) 
Other Returning Players: Julieyn Martin (5-9, jr., 5 ppg), Leah Heraly (5-7, sr.), Taylor Lillie (5-6, jr.), Gracin Foytik (5-6, sr.), Lainie Schroeder (5-6, sr.) 
Newcomers: Paige Clausen (jr.), Abby Van Ornum (jr.), Brooklyn Stuewer (jr.), Mallorie Werner (soph.), Maddy Springer (soph.) 
Starters Lost: Kayla Werner (11.3 ppg), Kallie Peppler (9.7 ppg), Paige Lillie (5.6 ppg) 
2023-24 Record: 22-6, 17-1 in FVA (1st)
2023-24 Finish: Lost to eventual D1 state runner-up Neenah, 82-72, in a sectional final. 

Maryland recruit Rainey Welson, fifth in D1 in scoring (23.3 ppg) last season, headlines the roster for the Polar Bears. Kardyn Peppler, a Division I prospect, joins Welson as a returning starter. Hortonville has notable non-conference games versus Pewaukee (Nov. 29), Notre Dame (Dec. 28 at Kress Center), West De Pere (Dec. 30), Homestead (Jan. 25), and Arrowhead (Feb. 22). The Polar Bears are the favorite in Sectional 1. 

6. Notre Dame
Coach: Sara Rohde, 14th year - 287-65
Returning Starters: Peyton Musial (6-0 sr., 12.9 ppg, 2.9 apg, 1.8 spg), Kaia Waldrop (6-0, jr., 12.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.7 spg)
Other Returning Players: Morgan Gokey (5-7, sr.), Aspen Abel (5-11, jr.), Destiny Webster (5-8, jr.), Kendall Ronsman (5-7, sr.), Addyson Simpson (5-7, jr.) 
Newcomers: Lydia Moore (6-0, jr.), Livi Waldrop (frosh.), Brianna Breese (soph.), Maisie Hinz (frosh.), Marley Atkinson (soph.)
Starters Lost: Trista Fayta (17.9 ppg), Gracie Grzesk (17 ppg), Sydney Whitehouse (11.9 ppg)
2023-24 Record: 28-2, 18-0 in FRCC
2023-24 Finish: Division 2 state runner-up, falling to Pewaukee, 60-52, in the title game. 

The Tritons will need to replace the trio of Gracie Grzesk (Wisconsin), Trista Fayta (Illinois State), and Sydney Whitehouse (D-II Northern Michigan) who helped Notre Dame to a 113-5 record with three state titles and are now playing college basketball. Peyton Musial, a UAB recruit, and Kaia Waldrop, a D-II Grand Valley State recruit, will take on leading roles this season. Notre Dame was elevated to Division 1 this season in the first year of the Competitive Balance Plan taking effect. They open the season against Pewaukee, also elevated to D1 this season, on November 21. The Tritons also have notable non-conference games versus Hartford (Nov. 30 at Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic), Hortonville (Dec. 28 at Kress Center), Kimberly (Feb. 13), and Arrowhead (Feb. 20). Notre Dame, like Pewaukee, was placed in Sectional 2, which includes Hartford and Kimberly, among others. 

7. Homestead 
Coach: Anthony Gries, 1st year 
Returning Starters: Madison Fitzgibbon (5-7, sr., 17.8 ppg, 73 3PM, 3.4 apg), Natalie Mueller (5-6, sr., 17 ppg, 64 3PM, 6.2 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3.1 spg), Grace Zortman (5-6, sr., 12.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.9 spg), Lauren Strifling (5-11, sr., 9 ppg, 42 3PM, 6.5 rpg)
Other Returning Players: Allison Hertz (5-7, soph.), Sarah Zehms (5-4, soph.), Lizzy Willis (5-6, jr.) 
Starters Lost: Katelyn Odom (10.7 ppg) 
2023-24 Record: 20-6, 15-1 in North Shore (co-champions with Hartford) 
2023-24 Finish: Lost to Germantown, 85-79, in a regional final. 

The Highlanders returned the bulk of their roster but will need to adjust to a new head coach. Anthony Gries, a Kiel grad who played collegiately at Marquette, was hired as their new leader. Madison Fitzgibbon, a UW-Milwaukee recruit, highlights the Highlanders’ lineup. Other top returning players include Natalie Mueller (D-II Minnesota State recruit) and Grace Zortman. Homestead opens the season against Laconia (Nov. 29) and Neenah (Nov. 30) at the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic. The Highlanders also have notable non-league contests against Pewaukee (Dec. 21) and Hortonville (Jan. 25). Homestead is in Sectional 2, headlined by Pewaukee. 

8. Appleton East 
Coach: Brian Paschen 2nd year at Appleton East 
Returning Starters: Lilly Meulemans (13.8 ppg, 53 3PM), Ella Sweeney (13.8 ppg, 57 3PM), Torie Neubauer (13.4 ppg, 44 3PM), Jenna Ott (5-9, jr., 6.5 ppg)
Other Returning Players: Ava Schwan (5-4, sr.), Ella Jazdzewski (5-10, jr.), Grace Fecteau (5-7, jr.)
Newcomers: Ella Mielke (5-7, jr.), Allena Neubauer (5-11, soph.), Aubrie Erickson (5-10, soph.), Emilia MontMarquette (5-9, frosh.) 
Starters Lost: Lindsey Gerard (5.6 ppg) 
2023-24 Record: 15-11, 9-9 in FVA (6th)
2023-24 Finish: Lost to Neenah, 69-50, in a regional final. 

The trio of Lilly Meulemans (D-II Black Hills State recruit), Ella Sweeney, and Torie Neubauer (D-II Minnesota Duluth recruit) highlight the Patriots’ roster. Appleton East has early season games against Whitefish Bay (Nov. 29) and The Prairie School (Nov. 30) at the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic before beginning FVA play at Kimberly on December 3. The Patriots are in Sectional 1, which includes Hortonville. 

9. Muskego
Coach: Erik Loose, 7th year - 58-88 overall | 35-19 in two years at Muskego 
Returning Starters: Melena Glysch (5-10, sr., 11.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg), Rachel Agg (5-11, sr., 9.8 ppg), Autumn Dibb (5-9, sr., 8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.9 apg), Mallory Glysch (5-9, jr., 7 ppg) 
Other Returning Players: Clare Sperka (5-7, sr., 6 ppg), Cassidy Hemauer (5-8, sr., 4.6 ppg), Maive Coggins (5-9, sr.), Lexys Foeckler (5-7, sr.), Nia Petropoulos (5-7, sr.) 
Starters Lost: Bella Miller (7.4 ppg, started before injury), Megan Reedy, Addy Zacher (started before injury) 
2023-24 Record: 22-6, 10-4 in Classic Eight (3rd)
2023-24 Finish: Lost to Franklin, 54-50, in a sectional final. 

Melena Glysch, a D-II Ferris State recruit, highlights the Warriors’ roster. Other top returnees include Rachel Agg and Autumn Dibb (D-II Quincy recruit). Muskego has an early non-conference test against Hudson at the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic on November 30. The Warriors are the team to beat in Sectional 4; other notable teams include Franklin, Kenosha Tremper, and Oak Creek. 

10. Neenah 
Coach: Andy Braunel, 21st year - 285-201 record 
Returning Starters: Rowan Klesmit (5-5, jr., 14.9 ppg, 45 3PM, 2.3 apg), Ellie Buss (5-7, jr., 9.8 ppg, 64 3PM) 
Other Returning Players: Celia Gentile (5-6, soph.), Rae Schoultz (6-1, sr.), Jillian Matheny (5-10, sr.), Ava Kreger (5-5, sr.) 
Newcomers: Madi Armstrong (5-6, sr.), Alex Guden (6-0, soph.), Carli Baltus (5-9, soph.), Alissa Ebel (5-11, soph.), Izzy Malloy (5-8, frosh.) 
Starters Lost: Allie Ziebell (27.5 ppg), Amaya Jones, Rachel Dietrich
2023-24 Record: 24-6, 14-4 in FVA (3rd)
2023-24 Finish: Lost to Arrowhead, 69-59, in the Division 1 state championship game. 

With Allie Ziebell, last year’s Ms. Basketball, now at UConn, Rowan Klesmit will take over a leading role for the Rockets. Ellie Buss, a D-II Maryville recruit, joins Klesmit as a returning starter. Neenah has an early test against Homestead at the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic on November 30. Another notable non-league game is against Arrowhead, the defending state champion, at home on December 10. Neenah’s sectional (Sectional 1) includes Hortonville. 

Others to Watch: Appleton North, Brookfield East, Eau Claire Memorial, Germantown, Hudson, Kettle Moraine, Oak Creek, Oregon, Stevens Point, Waunakee 

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