Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

2023-24 Recap

Hortonville (22-6 overall) captured the FVA title with a 17-1 record. Kimberly (23-4) finished second, going 16-2, followed by Neenah (24-6) which posted a 14-4 record. The middle of the FVA standings featured Appleton North (13-13, 10-8), Oshkosh West (14-11, 10-8), and Appleton East (15-11, 9-9). Rounding out the league standings, Kaukauna (8-17, 6-12), Fond du Lac (7-18, 4-14), Oshkosh North (9-16, 4-14), and Appleton West (2-23, 0-18). 

In the WIAA Playoffs, Neenah finished as the WIAA Division 1 state runner-up. In the state championship game, the Rockets fell to Arrowhead, 69-59. Two others from the league made sectionals, Hortonville and Kimberly. Hortonville lost to league foe Neenah, 82-72, in a D1 sectional final while Kimberly dropped an 83-63 contest against Hartford in a D1 sectional semifinal. 

2023-24 Season Information (Standings, Stats, and All-Conference)

2024-25 Conference Preview 

Predicted Order of Finish 

1) Kimberly 
2) Hortonville 
3) Appleton East 
4) Neenah
5) Appleton North 
6) Kaukauna 
7) Oshkosh West 
8) Fond du Lac 
9) Oshkosh North 
10) Appleton West 

Players to Watch

Awut Alic, soph., Oshkosh North – Alic, a 6-0 guard/forward, will move into a featured role for the Spartans. She averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in her debut season. 

Addison Baumgart, sr., Kaukauna – Baumgart, 6-1 wing/forward, received second-team all-FVA last season. The NCAA Division II Northern Michigan recruit averaged 15 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 64-for-163 from 3-point land. 

Ellie Buss, jr., Neenah – Buss, a 5-7 guard, contributed 9.8 points and 1.7 assists per game for the Rockets, Division 1 state runner-up last season. The NCAA Division II Maryville University commit connected on 64 three-pointers. 

Haylie Dulas, soph., Kimberly – Dulas, a 5-11 wing, averaged 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game as a freshman for the Papermakers. She holds several Division I offers. 

Rowan Klesmit, jr., Neenah – Klesmit, a 5-5 guard, was named second-team all-FVA and honorable mention WBCA all-state as a sophomore. She averaged 14.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game with 45 three-pointers made for the D1 state runner-up Rockets. 

Raegan Krueger, sr., Kimberly – Krueger, a 6-1 forward, averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning second-team all-FVA. She is committed to NCAA Division II Minnesota Duluth. 

Tay Maass, jr., Appleton North – Maass, 5-11 forward, received second-team all-league last season, averaging 9.7 points, and 8.6 rebounds per game for the Lightning. 

Kate McGinnis, sr., Kimberly – McGinnis, a 5-10 guard, tallied 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game last season en route to being selected unanimous first-team all-FVA and WBCA all-state. Kate also went 73-for-200 on three-pointers. The NCAA Division I Belmont recruit has compiled 987 points and connected on 172 triples through her first three seasons, helping Kimberly to a 54-27 record. McGinnis is out indefinitely with a knee injury; hoping to return in January. 

Lilly Meulemans, sr., Appleton East – Meulemans, 5-8 guard, averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game last season for the Patriots. The NCAA Division II Black Hills State recruit shot 53-for-148 from behind the arc. 

Torie Neubauer, sr., Appleton East – Neubauer, 6-0 forward, was named first-team all-FVA last season, averaging 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. The NCAA Division II Minnesota Duluth recruit made 44 of 124 from 3-point land. 

Kardyn Peppler, soph., Hortonville – Peppler, a 5-7 point guard, averaged 9.9 points. 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest as a freshman. She holds several Division I offers. 

Savanna Robinson, sr., Kaukauna – Robinson, 5-7 guard, tallied 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest last season for the Galloping Ghosts. 

Ella Sweeney, soph., Appleton East – Sweeney, a 5-8 guard, was voted first-team all-FVA as a freshman, averaging 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest. She holds Division I offers. 

Emily Urban, jr., Kimberly – Urban, a 5-4 point guard, was voted second-team all-FVA last season, averaging 6.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.  

Ava Van Vonderen, soph., Kimberly – Van Vonderen, a 6-1 guard, averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in her debut season for the Papermakers. She holds several Division I offers. 

Rainey Welson, sr., Hortonville – Welson, a 5-10 guard, is a two-time WBCA all-state selection and earned honorable mention as a freshman. She averaged 23.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season and was named unanimous first-team all-FVA last season. Rainey also shot 84-for-198 from behind the arc. The Maryland recruit has compiled 1,624 points, 325 rebounds, 276 assists, and 198 steals in her career, helping lead Hortonville to a 71-12 record with a trip to the state tournament in 2023. 

Avery Werfal, soph., Appleton North – Werfal, a 5-8 guard, averaged 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, earning second-team all-FVA as a freshman. Avery also shot 60-for-158 from behind the arc. 

2024-25 Team Previews 

1) Kimberly is the favorite to capture the 2023-24 FVA title. The Papermakers welcome back nearly their entire roster from last season that finished second (16-2) in the conference and advanced to sectional play before losing to Hartford, ending the season with a 23-4 record. Dave Lepisto, who has a 39-16 record in two years as head coach, told WSN that their strengths include length, athleticism, experience, and depth. “Our key to success this season will be how well we defend and rebound.” The Papermakers’ squad is 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. McGinnis is out until at least January with a knee injury. 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).  

Returning Starters: Kate McGinnis (5-9, sr., 18.3 ppg, 73 3PM, 5.1 rpg, 1.7 spg; out indefinitely with knee injury), 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; returning from ACL injury) 
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

2) Hortonville is the defending FVA champion. The Polar Bears return two of their top three scorers from last year’s squad which went 17-1 in the league and 22-6 overall, reaching a sectional final before falling to Neenah. AC Clouthier, a 108-29 record in five years as a head coach, has a 47-10 record in two years at Hortonville. Coach Clouthier told WisSports.net that they have some great scorers and defenders. “We lost a great deal of experience and stat leaders from last season, but have athletes ready to expand their roles.” He went on to say that they have some underclassmen who could make a difference as the year progresses. 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. Another notable returnee for the Polar Bears is Julieyn Martin. 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).

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) 

3) Appleton East brings back four starters from its 2023-24 team which finished 9-9 in the FVA and 15-11 overall. 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. 

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) 

4) Neenah returns two starters from last year’s team which finished the year as the Division 1 state runner-up, falling to Arrowhead in the state title game, ending the season 24-6 overall. Andy Braunel, who has a 285-201 record in 20 years at the helm, told WSN they will be young and athletic. “We possess several very good shooters that will help lead the way.” With Allie Ziebell (2024 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 first contest against FVA favorite Kimberly is on December 6. 

Returning Starters: Rowan Klesmit (5-5, jr., 14.9 ppg, 45 3 PM, 2.3 apg), Ellie Buss (5-7, jr.), 9.8 ppg, 64 3PM, 1.7 apg) 
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 Amaya Jones Rachel Dietrich

5) Appleton North brings back four starters from its 2023-24 squad which finished 10-8 in the conference and 13-13 overall. Avery Werfal, the team leader in points and assists last season as a freshman, heads up the roster for the Lightning. Tay Maass, third in scoring and the team’s top rebounder last season, is another top returnee and Sophie Busch and Delaney Peterson also return as starters. Appleton North opens the season at Sheboygan North on November 22 and begins FVA play at Neenah on December 3. 

Returning Starters: Avery Werfal (5-8, soph., 15.3 ppg, 60 3PM, 5.6 rpg, 2 apg, 1.8 spg), Tay Maass (5-11, jr., 9.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Sophie Busch (5-8, jr., 5.3 ppg, 1.9 apg), Delaney Peterson (5-9, sr., 5.3 ppg)
Other Notable Returning Players: Ilah Scherwinski (5-7, soph.), Lila Griffith (5-8, sr.), Amber Ziemer (5-6, soph.), Ava Koleske (5-7, soph.) 

Starters Lost: Shayna Williamson (10 ppg) 

6) Kaukauna returns three starters from last year’s team which went 6-12 in the FVA and 8-17 overall. The Galloping Ghosts had a coaching change in the offseason, hiring former Shiocton head coach Robert Hendrickson as their new leader.  Coach Hendrickson, 95-55 in six years as a head coach, told WisSports.net that they have a group of kids that are hungry to improve on last season. “Things did not go the way the players wanted last year and they have worked hard this summer to earn the chance to have a better season.” Addison Baumgart, who led the team in scoring and three-pointers made last season, highlights the team. Savanna Robinson and Jozy Ebben also return as starters for the Galloping Ghosts. Kaukauna opens FVA play at home against Fond du Lac on December 3. 

Returning Starters: Addison Baumgart (6-1, sr., 15 ppg, 64 3PM, 5.3 rpg), Jozy Ebben (5-10, sr., 9.8 ppg, 39 3PM, 5.9 rpg), Savanna Robinson (5-7, sr., 7.5 ppg, 3.6 apg, 2.2 spg)
Other Returning Players: Kiera Plate (5-8, soph., 4.8 ppg), Ava Reader (5-6, soph., 3.4 ppg), Annessa Steif (5-10, jr.), Hannah Borchardt (5-5, sr.), Misty Borchert (5-9, soph.), Addie Banaszyski (5-7, jr.) Karlee Gross (5-7, jr.) 

Starters Lost: Josie Djupstrom (7.3 ppg), Alexa Kinas, Avarie Boucher

7) Oshkosh West, 10-8 in the FVA and 14-11 overall last season, will have a revamped roster in 2024-25. Kenisha Goss, who enters year seven as head coach, told WSN they have almost a whole new team with very few varsity minutes among them. “We will have to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game at the varsity level quickly to allow us to compete in the FVA.” Maddie Rasmussen, who started the first seven games last season before a season-ending knee injury, will take on a leading role for the Wildcats this season. Rowan Tigert and Joely Schelfhout are among those who will take on larger roles this season. 

Returning Starters: Maddie Rasmussen (5-11, sr., 5.7 ppg in 7 games played) 
Other Returning Players: Rowan Tigert (5-10, sr.), Joely Schelfhout (5-6, sr.), Taylin Heiman (5-4, sr.), Sophia Glatz (5-10, soph.) 
Newcomers: Colleen Fitzpatrick (5-6, jr.), Ava Strausser (6-0, jr.), Hailee Marchant (5-9, jr.), Kelsey Williamson (5-8, jr.), Kylie Hielsberg (5-5, jr.)

Starters Lost: Paige Seckar (14.5 ppg), Laina Hammen (9 ppg), Brenna Gehri (6.3 ppg), Charlee Martin, Morgan Toman, Braelee Jodarski (started until ACL injury in game 5)

8) Fond du Lac returns three starters from last year’s team which finished 4-14 in the FVA and 7-18 overall. The Cardinals will need to replace the production of Brooke Butler, last year’s leading scorer. They also had a change at the top, Tyler Williams was named to lead the program. Coach Williams, who previously served as the team’s JV coach, told WisSports.net that they are defensively motivated and another strength is 3-point shooting. Lilly Kejo, second on the team in scoring and leader in assists last season, leads the returning group for the Cardinals. Amaria Kejo and Lilah Johnson also return as starters. 

Returning Starters: Lilly Kejo (5-5, jr., 8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3 apg), Amaria Kejo (6-0, sr., 6.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Lilah Johnson (5-8, jr., 5.7 ppg, 2 apg), 
Other Returning Players: Anna Ciha (5-7, jr., 3.4 ppg) 
Newcomers: Allie Buelow (soph.), Claire Braatz (soph.), Clara Gudex (soph.), Elly Caul (soph), Rowan Sievert (soph.), Lauren Kraus (soph.), Brianna Poteat (soph.), Autumn Rodriguez (soph.), Emma Rentmeester (soph.), Maddy Steele (soph.), Mackenzie Williams (soph.)

Starters Lost: Brooke Butler (13.6 ppg), Morgan Zangl (5.9 ppg) 

9) Oshkosh North will need to replace three starters from its 2023-24 team which finished 4-14 in the league and 9-16 overall. Third-year head coach Rick Leib told WSN that their team culture will be a strength. “We will be inexperienced.” Awut Alic, second in scoring and team leader in steals and rebounds last season, headlines the roster for the Spartans. Oshkosh North opens FVA action at Appleton West on December 3. 

Returning Starters: Awut Alic (6-0, soph, 13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.8 spg, 1.3 bpg.), Morgan Kolodzik (5-8, sr., 2.8 ppg) 
Other Returning Players: Hailee Valdez (5-7, sr.), I'yari Walton (5-8, sr.), Brinna Paulson (5-7, jr.)  
Newcomers: Allie Leib (5-6, jr., returning from injury), Dory Butzlaff (5-6, sr.), Rica Hanson (5-6, sr.), Alai Awak (5-10, jr.), Naviana Lao-Facundo (5-10, soph.), Zara Zinth (5-5, soph.),     Sammie Leib (5-5, soph.), Promise Shehi (5-5, soph.) 

Starters Lost: Ava Hanson (17.5 ppg), Lauren Geer, NyeDeng Awak

10) Appleton West (2-23 last season) enters the year with a 24-game FVA losing streak. Fourth-year head coach Julie Ziemer told WSN their strength is three returning seniors and a junior who started for them. Addyson Knoebel and Madelyn Nushart lead the group of returning players for the Terrors. 

Returning Starters: Addyson Knoebel (5-5, sr., 7 ppg), Madelyn Nushart (5-8, jr., 6.4 ppg), Lydia Barry (5-1, sr.),
Other Returning Players: Allysen Buss (5-5, jr., 3.8 ppg), Gwen Konkle (sr.)  
Newcomers: Mya Flaker (jr.), Madison Milhaupt (jr.) 

Starters Lost: Jazelle Gowdy (14.1 ppg), Jurnie Womack, Ali Raddatz