2021-2022 Northern Lakes Predictions

Overview:

Wabeno/Laona returns the most talent from last season and I think are the team to beat in 2021-2022. They are coming off a successful football season, so it will be interesting to see if they can get into basketball shape quickly. Connor Taylor (24.7 PPG) and Reed Christianson (15.2 PPG) are two of the top players in the Northern Lakes and are looking to end their careers at W/L with a conference championship. Florence has some solid players returning including three all-conference selections - Patrick Milan (17.5 PPG), Evan Johnson (14.9 PPG), and Dominic DeMur (11.7 PPG), and they should be able to compete with Wabeno/Laona. Goodman/Pembine and Three Lakes each return some all-conference selections from last season and could be competitive in the championship race. Crandon and Elcho are in similar boats where they have some pieces, but I don't expect them to be super competitive with the top of the conference. Phelps has some work to do heading into the season, expect them to be bottom tier team since they didn't win a game last season.

Projections:

1. Wabeno/Laona Rebels (2020-2021 season: 16-6 overall, 13-1 conference, 1st)

2. Florence Bobcats (2020-2021 season: 15-6 overall, 11-3 conference, 2nd)

3. Three Lakes Blue Jays (2020-2021 season: 12-11 overall, 8-5 conference, 4th)

4. Goodman/Pembine (2020-2021 season: 14-6 overall, 9-4 conference, 3rd)

5. Crandon Cardinals (2020-2021 season: 5-21 overall, 4-9 conference, 6th)

6. Elcho (2020-2021 season: 9-11 overall, 5-8 conference, 5th)

7. Phelps (2020-2021 season: 0-15 overall, 0-13 conference, 8th)

***White Lake has left the Northern Lakes Conference and has joined the Central Wisconsin-North Conference as of 2021-2022***

Sleeper: Three Lakes

Projected POY: Connor Taylor (Senior) - Wabeno/Laona

Seniors to Watch:
Jacob Kessel (Goodman/Pembine)

Boone Larison (Goodman/Pembine)

Patrick Milan (Florence)

Chase Novak (Elcho)

Reed Christianson (Wabeno/Laona)

Conference Games to Watch:
12/2/2021 - Three Lakes @ Wabeno/Laona

1/28/2022 - Wabeno/Laona @ Florence

2/4/2022 - Goodman-Pembine @ Wabeno/Laona

2/8/2022 - Elcho @ Crandon

2/24/2022 - Florence @ Goodman-Pembine

Non-Conference Games to Watch:

11/23/2021 - Three Lakes @ Northland Pines

11/26/2021 - Wabeno/Laona @ Crivitz

11/29/2021 - Florence @ Wausaukee

1/3/2022 - Bonduel @ Goodman-Pembine

2/24/2022 - Wabeno/Laona @ Iola-Scandinavia