Madison College will play host to an outstanding two-day, eight-team boys basketball tournament this weekend, with seven excellent in-state teams plus a premier team from the state of Illinois.
Below are the basics of the 60Eight Basketball Tournament:
Schedule
Friday, December 13th:
6:30 PM: Nicolet vs. Oshkosh North
8:00 PM: Middleton vs. Romeoville (IL)
Saturday, December 14th:
1:30 PM: Appleton North vs. Verona (Showcase Game)
3:00 PM: Consolation Game
4:30 PM: Championship Game
6:00 PM: Lake Mills vs. Mt. Horeb (Showcase Game)
***All games will streamed live at and commentated by ESPN Madison
Pre-sale tickets:
Adults - $8/day
Students - $3/day
*Pre-sale tickets will be held at will call the day of the tournament
Day of event ticket prices:
Adults - $10/day
Students - $5/day
Additional Links
Official Tournament Website
Tickets
Tournament History
For video of last year's event, please see below.
Drew Murphy - Verona
Drew Murphy, a North Michigan Commit is a standout player for the Wildcats. He has achieved impressive milestones in his basketball career being named first-team all-Big Eight Conference in both his sophomore and junior years. Averaging an impressive 22.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season, as well as recording a school record and game high 47 points. He is known for his physical strength as a wing player, Drew possesses deep shooting range and excels at finishing plays under contact. As a three-year varsity performer, Drew enters his senior season with an outstanding career total of 1,250 points.
AJ Bender – Lake Mills
AJ Bender is a 6'3" dynamic and versatile wing prospect known for his athleticism and productivity across all facets of the game. As a junior at Lake Mills, AJ averaged an impressive 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He has consistently excelled, earning first-team all-Capitol North Conference honors as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. AJ's standout performance was recognized with the Player of the Year award in the league during his junior year. He is particularly noted for his strength and explosiveness when attacking the basket, making him a formidable presence on the court. Bender has committed to NCAA Division 2 Minnesota State Mankato.
Xzavion Mitchell- Oshkosh North
Xzavion Mitchell, from Oshkosh North, is no stranger to the 60Eight Basketball Tournament. Last year, during the Showcase Game, Mitchell put up 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. On top of that, Mitchell led the Fox Valley Association in points and rebounds, averaging 25.7 PPG and 8.6 RPG. The standout for the Spartans, is currently ranked the 68th prospect in the ESPN Top 100 rankings for the class of 2025. Mitchell has gained multiple D-1 offers but ultimately chose Iowa State, following in the footsteps of former Oshkosh North and current Indiana Pacers point guard, Tyrese Haliburton.
David Bolden- Nicolet
David Bolden, a rising star from Nicolet standing at 6'0" in the Class of 2025, brings an all-around skill set to the court. He identifies himself as a "true point guard," emphasizing his abilities in playmaking, defense, and scoring as needed. In his junior season, David averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and led his team with 4.8 assists per game. His contributions were pivotal in Nicolet's impressive 24-5 record, earning him recognition as the player of the game five times. He has committed to NCAA Div. 1 New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Josh Manchester- Mt. Horeb
A standout in the Class of 2026, Josh is a backcourt talent who combines skill and basketball IQ. As a sophomore, he was a unanimous first-team all-Badger Small Conference selection. Leading the league in scoring with an impressive 24.1 points per game, he showcased his scoring potential. A career-high 43 points in a game against Lodi highlighted his ability to dominate offensively. Josh's sharpshooting was evident with a 41% success rate from three-point range, making 71 of 172 attempts, contributing to Mount Horeb's successful 21-6 season. His performances have garnered attention from top-tier programs including Wisconsin, Virginia, Minnesota, and Marquette, indicating his potential for a bright future in collegiate basketball.
Damion Porter Jr.- Romeoville
Standing tall at 6'4", shooting guard Damion Porter Jr. from the Class of 2025 has made a significant impact on the court. During his junior season, he received multiple accolades, including All-Tournament 1st Team WJOL, All-State Defense 2nd Team, All-State Nomination, All-Area Nomination, and Special Mention by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. His exceptional performances have gained widespread attention, resulting in Division 1 offers from George Mason University, Northern Illinois University, and Southern University.
Will Garlock- Middleton (injured)
Will Garlock of Middleton is a promising 6'11" big man showcasing a multifaceted skill set, He possesses a strong ability to score effectively from mid-range and near the basket. Garlock is known for his agility on the court, excelling in running the floor, rebounding, and distributing the ball to teammates, as well as for his shot-blocking ability and defensive capabilities. Will made a significant impact early in his career, notably scoring 21 points in a crucial victory over Benilde-St. Margaret's during the WI vs. MN Border Battle as a sophomore. Garlock is committed to play at the University of Wisconsin in the Fall of 2025.
Will Sweeney- Appleton North
Will Sweeney, from Appleton North is a class of 2026 point guard, who stands at 5'10". Will is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills. He plays with remarkable control, showcasing his ability to score both from deep and off the bounce. During the 2023-24 season, Will averaged 13.6 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game, making him a standout player and a future star to watch.
Travis Wilson serves as the WisSports.net General Manager, Football Editor, and contributing writer for other parts of the site. Wilson was selected as part of the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & AD Magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Travis the 2015 recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the WFCA Executive Board and is a member of the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. A graduate of Richland Center High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Travis was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball), inducted to the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and currently resides in Reedsburg. You can follow him on Twitter at @travisWSN.