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Southern Lakes Girls Basketball Preview

12/05/2024, 3:30pm CST
By Norbert Durst

2023-24 Recap

Union Grove (22-6 overall) captured the Southern Lakes title with an undefeated record and advanced to a Division 2 sectional final, falling to state qualifier Wauwatosa East, 59-44. Elkhorn (22-5) took second in the league and reached a Division 2 sectional semifinal, losing a 63-49 contest versus McFarland. Spots three and four in the standings were Badger (14-12, 9-5) and Burlington (10-16, 6-8) while Beloit Memorial (8-13, 5-7), Westosha Central (8-15, 5-7), Waterford (8-18, 3-11), and Wilmot (1-23, 0-14) closed out the standings. 

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

2024-25 Conference Preview 

Predicted Order of Finish 

1) Union Grove
2) Elkhorn
3) Badger 
4) Westosha Central 
5) Beloit Memorial
6) Burlington
7) Waterford 
8) Wilmot

Players to Watch

Molly Deering, sr., Badger – Deering, a 5-8 guard, was voted first-team all-Southern Lakes last season. She averaged 16 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 steals per game for the Badgers. 

LaNasia Dubois, sr., Beloit Memorial – Dubois, a 5-5 guard, tallied 13.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 steals per game for the Purple Knights last season. 

Samantha Hafferkamp, sr., Union Grove – Hafferkamp, 5-8 guard, was named first-team all-Southern Lakes and honorable mention WBCA all-state last season. She tallied 20 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 3.1 steals per game for the league champions. Hafferkamp also connected on 60 triples. 

Cardin Johnson, jr., Wesosha Central – Johnson, a 5-5 guard, was named second-team all-league last season. She averaged 13.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest. 

McKinley Karpinski, soph., Waterford – Karpinski, a 5-7 guard, received second-team all-SLC as a freshman, averaging 8.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game for the Wolverines. 

Ashley Lamers, sr., Union Grove – Lamers, a 5-9 wing/forward, averaged 12.2 points, 10 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 steals per contest on her way to receiving first-team all-SLC last season for the conference champs. 

Kyrin Lile, jr., Elkhorn – Lile, a 6-1 forward, was named Southern Lakes Player of the Year and honorable mention WBCA all-state last season. The Division I prospect averaged 19.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.1 steals, and 2.8 blocks (all team highs) for the Elks. Kyrin entered the year with over 900 career points. 

Lana Mannetter, frosh., Westosha Central – Mannetter, a 6-0 guard, will make an immediate impact for the Falcons. 

Tatijana Ninkovic, sr., Burlington – Ninkovic, a 5-8 guard, is back after missing over half of last season. She tallied 17.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in eight games played for the Demons as a junior.  

Ashlin Nottestad, sr., Badger – Nottestad, a 5-10 forward, contributed 5.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game for the Badgers last season. Ashlin also made 36 three-pointers. 

Kylie Schultz, jr., Elkhorn – Schultz, a 5-7 guard, tallied 10 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game en route to being named first-team all-SLC last season. Kylie connected on 35 three-pointers. 

Camryn Smith, jr., Union Grove – Smith, a 5-8 guard, contributed 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game as a sophomore for the SLC champions. 

Jocelyn Tibbetts, sr., Beloit Memorial – Tibbets, a 5-7 guard, was named second-team all-SLC last season. She averaged 12 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 steals per contest. Tibbetts also connected on 37 three-pointers. 

2024-25 Team Previews 

1) Union Grove has won at least a share of the last five Southern Lakes championships and is the favorite in 2024-25. The Broncos, which enter the year with a 43-game conference winning streak, welcome back their starting five from last year’s team which reached a Division 2 sectional final and ended the year with a 22-6 record. Robert Domagalski, who has a 416-158 record in 24 years as head coach, told WisSports.net that the confidence and chemistry they built last season will play a big role in their success this year. “We take pride in our relentless defense and fast-paced, up-tempo style that helps us rack up points on the scoreboard.” Coach Domagalski went on to say that their strengths lie in their athleticism, which allows them to pressure teams with full-court and half-court defense while pushing the ball offensively for easy baskets. “Our biggest weakness is our lack of overall size. To overcome that, we will need to outthink, outhustle, and keep the pressure on every opponent.” Samantha Hafferkamp headlines the Broncos’ lineup after leading the team in points, three-pointers, and steals last season. Ashley Lamers joins Hafferkamp as a top returnee, finishing second in points and leading the team in rebounds and assists last season. Camryn Smith, Mia Wilks, and Natalie Hammes round out the starting five for the Broncos. Union Grove, ranked No. 8 in the first WSN Coaches Poll of the 2024-25 season, has early non-conference wins against Waukesha West and Catholic Memorial. The Broncos could meet Wauwatosa East (last year’s D2 Sectional 4 champion) in a Division 2 sectional final again this season. 

Returning Starters: Samantha Hafferkamp (5-8, sr., 20 ppg, 60 3PM, 2 apg, 3.1 spg), Ashley Lamers (5-9, sr., 12.2 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.6 apg, 2.8 spg), Camryn Smith (5-8, jr., 7.6 ppg, 2.1 apg, 1.7 spg), Mia Wilks (5-8, jr., 5.5 ppg), Natalie Hammes (5-8, jr., 4.1 ppg) 
Other Returning Players: Karlie Peterson (5-3, soph.), Marley Busey (5-5, sr.), Sophia Matuszek (5-8, sr.) 
Newcomers: Hannah Nowakowski (5-5, soph.), Josie Licht (5-7, soph.), Ava Gonzales (5-3, jr.), Abby Johnson (5-4, jr.),  

Starters Lost: None 

2) Elkhorn returns four starters from last year’s team which finished second (12-2) in the SLC and advanced to Division 2 sectionals, ending the year 22-5 overall. Fifth-year head coach Michael Storlie told WSN that they bring back a lot of girls who contributed last year. “Shooting should be a main strength along with athleticism for an up-tempo style of play.” Reigning SLC Player of the Year Kyrin Lile, a Division I prospect, headlines the lineup for the Elks. Other top returnees include Kylie Schultz and Ayla Saunders, the team’s top three-point shooters last season. Elkhorns’s first matchup against Union Grove is on December 20. 

Returning Starters: Kyrin Lile (6-1, jr., 19.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 3.1 spg, 2.8 bpg), Kylie Schultz (5-7, jr., 10 ppg, 35 3PM, 3.5 apg, 2.6 spg), Ayla Saunders (5-3, soph., 9.8 ppg, 52 3PM), Emilyn Bonow (5-9, jr., 7.8 ppg, 34 3PM)
Other Returning Players: Markie Pedersen (5-7, jr., 4 ppg), Josie Sensabaugh (5-8, sr.), Veronica Siegler (5-7, sr.) 
Newcomers: Ava Olson (6-0, soph.), Kenzie Pedersen (5-9, soph.), Ellie Jacobson (5-10, soph.) 

Starters Lost: Grace Woyak (6.5 ppg) 

3) Badger brings back three of its top four scorers from last year’s team which went 9-5 in the Southern Lakes and 14-12 overall. Molly Deering, the league’s third-leading scorer last season, highlights the Badgers’ lineup. Other key returnees include Payton Hayes and Ashlin Nottestad. Badger opens its Southern Lakes schedule at Elkhorn on December 6. 

Returnees: Molly Deering (5-8, sr., 16 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.6 spg), Payton Hayes (5-9, sr., 6.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 apg), Ashlin Nottestad (5-10, sr., 5.9 ppg, 36 3PM, 6.3 rpg, 2 bpg), Ella Jooss (5-6, jr.), Lilly Butinas (5-7, jr.), Kaela Zapadinsky (5-8, sr.), Grace Giovingo (5-9, sr.), Delaney Deering (5-7, sr.), Sara Hensler (5-8, sr.), McKenna Schultz (5-8, sr.) 
Newcomers: Evelyn Garcia (5-5, jr.), Sally Gowan (5-11, jr.), Meara Heiselmann (5-7, jr.), Autumn Carr (5-9, jr.), Teagan Clausen (5-3, soph.), Mia Butinas (5-5, frosh.) 

Notable Losses: Makayla Hayes (10.9 ppg), Lily Villarreal (5.6 ppg)

4) Westosha Central returns its top four scorers from last year’s team which went 5-7 in the conference and 8-15 overall. Cardin Johnson, the leader in points, assists, and steals last season, highlights the Falcons’ returning group. Other top returnees include Lilah Longrie and Keara Griffin. Freshman Lana Manetter will make an immediate impact for the Falcons. Westosha Central opens SLC play at Union Grove on December 6. 
Returning Starters: Cardin Johnson (13.3 ppg, 2.5 apg, 2.2 spg), Lilah Longrie (5-10, soph., 8.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Keara Griffin (5-9, soph., 8.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2 apg), 
Other Returning Players: Lydia Pelli (5-3, jr., 5.1 ppg), Kahlen Willis (5-9, soph.), Lila Herriford (jr.), Gabby Avila (5-3, sr.), Aubree Phillips (jr.), Aliyah Warren (5-10, jr.), Brielle Schultz (soph.)  
Newcomers: Lana Manetter (6-0, frosh.), Laney Pumala (5-6, jr.), Jora Phillips (5-8, jr.)  

Starters Lost: Chloe Lois, Maddie Haubrich  

5) Beloit Memorial brings back all of its key players from last year’s team which finished 5-7 in the Southern Lakes and 8-13 overall. Dilonna Johnson, 20-48 in four years as the Purple Knights’ leader. Coach Johnson told WisSports.net they will continue to play at a fast pace and use their speed to outrun teams. “With a senior-heavy team, we are looking to make some noise in the Southern Lakes.” LaNasia Dubois and Jocelyn Tibbetts lead the way for the Purple Knights. Dubois led the team in points and assists last season, and Tibbets was second in points, assists, and steals. Other top returnees include SaDera Richardson and Kamille Thomas. Beloit Memorial opens Southern Lakes action at Burlington on December 6. 

Returning Starters:  LaNasia Dubois (5-5, sr., 13.2 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2.4 spg), Jocelyn Tibbetts (5-7, sr., 12 ppg, 37 3PM, 5.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.1 spg), Kamille Thomas (5-10, sr., 11.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.2 spg, 1.7 bpg), SaDera Richardson (5-4, sr., 8.9 ppg, 2.4 apg, 1.8 spg), Asharia Koch (5-8, soph., 7.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.3 spg), Jhalia Barber (5-7, soph., 5.9 ppg, 2.5 spg)
Other Returning Players: Zeniyah Dumas (5-5, sr.), Reeasha Burrows (5-9, soph.), Ty Banks (5-10, sr.), Tay Tay McKinney (5-4, jr.), 
Newcomers: Maya Garcia (5-9, jr.), Evelyn Karr (5-9, frosh.) 

Starters Lost: None 

6) Burlington returns three starters from last year’s team which finished 6-8 in the conference and 10-16 overall. Second-year head coach Jack Schmidt told WSN that experience, senior leadership, and building off a strong end of last season are strengths. Tatijana Ninkovic highlights the list of returnees for the Demons. Several other contributors are back and the Demons will also get an immediate impact from freshman Whitney Schmidt. 

Returnees: Tatijana Ninkovic (5-8, sr., 17.4 ppg in 8 games played last season), Jenna Weis (5-8, sr., 9 ppg), Dakota Taylor (5-6, sr., 6.4 ppg), Aubrey Reesman (5-8, jr., 4.9 ppg), Clara Munson (5-8, sr.), Anna Weis (5-10, soph.), Sophia Warren (5-6, soph.), Jayden Mader (5-6, sr.), Molly Diggins (5-2, sr.), Maddy Vetter (5-7, jr.) 
Newcomers: Whitney Schmidt (5-7, frosh.), Layla Gillis (5-8, frosh.) 

Notable Losses: Brinley Clapp (8.2 ppg), Kayla Warner (6.8 ppg)

7) Waterford brings back three starters from its 2023-24 squad which went 3-11 in the SLC and 8-18 overall. Dena Brechtl, who has a 173-144 record in 13 years at the helm, told WSN they return experience after having a very young team last season. “Well-rounded play with many contributors as well as our defensive focus should be our strengths.” McKinley Karpinski, the team’s leading scorer last season, highlights the roster for the Wolverines. 

Returning Starters: McKinley Karpinski (5-7, soph., 8.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 spg), Jenna Schwalbach (5-3, sr., 6.3 ppg, 2.2 apg, 1.8 spg), Kasey Stelpflug (6-4, sr., 4.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg) 
Other Returning Players: Jossilyn Allen (5-6, soph., 7.1 ppg), Everyln Hoffman (6-0, soph.), Taylor Greil (5-8, jr.), Ellie Ketterhagen (5-4, jr.), Halle Lepak (5-8, jr.) 
Newcomers: Zoe Pomeroy (5-8, jr.), Bayley Schaal (5-7, jr.), Caylee Thompson (5-10, frosh.) 

Starters Lost: Sam Talavera (5.7 ppg), Kayla Holmes

8) Wilmot went winless in the Southern Lakes and 1-23 overall last season. Kaci Peters leads the returning group for the Panthers. 

Returnees: Sammy Suterko (5-7, sr.), Madeline Nettis (5-4, sr.), Taylor Walter (6-2, jr.), Kaci Peters (5-10, jr.), Brooklyn Hickey (5-1, jr.), Elle Drissel (5-11, soph.), Emma Pferdmenges (5-7, soph.), Kinlee Abell (5-8, soph.), Maddy Rosin (5-8, soph.) 

Girls Basketball Preview

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