2022-2023 Marawood Conference Preview

Overview:

NORTH:

I've been waiting for Chequamegon to make the jump to the top of the conference and I think this might finally be the year. Isaiah Deietz (18.3ppg and 11.8rpg) returns as a 1st-Team All-Conference selection and is probably the most athletic kid in the conference. He's a little raw, but he is fun to watch! Aiden Janke (14.2ppg and 10.2rpg) is the other returning 1st-Team All-Conference selection. I could see Athens playing well enough and winning enough Marawood-South games that they win the conference. Prentice brings back the most All-Conference selections with three (Layne Blomberg - 2nd, Ashton Makovsky - 2nd, & Reese Isaacson - HM). Prentice is my sleeper to win the Marawood-North. The bottom three teams could potentially be a toss up, but I think it will go Abbotsford, Rib Lake, followed by Phillips. They each return All-Conference selections, but I just don't think any of them will have the fire power to compete at the top of the conference.

SOUTH:

Newman Catholic returns two 1st-Team All-Conference selections in Mason Prey (23.4 ppg) and Isaac Seidel (16.8ppg). Add in Connor Krach (Honorable Mention) and they should find themselves at the top of the conference. Marathon returns the only other 1st-Team All-Conference selection in Grant Warren (15.4ppg and 7.3rpg). Warren is coming into his junior season and the 6'8" forward might be a matchup nightmare for other Marawood teams. Auburndale brings back three All-Conference selections (Alex Willfahrt - 2nd, Caden Weinfurter - 2nd, & Lucas Yeske - HM). That should be enough to keep Auburndale competitive towards that top of the conference. Stratford brings back to Honorable Mention selections (Ashton Wrensch and Braeden Schueller), but lost two other All-Conference players to graduation. Edgar returns Brett Baumgartner (7.8ppg) who was Honorable Mention last season, but they have a lot of talent to replace. Assumption should finish towards the bottom again, I would expect them to get some conference wins against the Marawood-North. 

Projections:

NORTH

1. Chequamegon Screaming Eagles (2021-2022 season: 16-9 overall, 8-8 conference, 2nd)

2. Athens Blue Jays (2021-2022 season: 22-7 overall, 11-5 conference, 1st)

3. Prentice Pirates (2021-2022 season: 16-11 overall, 7-9 conference, 3rd)

4. Abbotsford (2021-2022 season: 4-21 overall, 2-14 conference, 5th)

5. Rib Lake (2021-2022 season: 8-16 overall, 5-11 conference, 4th)

6. Phillips Loggers (2021-2022 season: 4-22 overall, 1-15 conference, 6th)

SOUTH

1. Newman Catholic Cardinals (2021-2022 season: 20-8 overall, 12-4 conference, 3rd)

2. Marathon (2021-2022 season: 21-5 overall, 14-2 conference, 1st)

3. Auburndale (2021-2022 season: 17-9 overall, 10-6 conference, 4th)

4. Stratford Tigers (2021-2022 season: 22-5 overall, 13-3 conference, 2nd)

5. Edgar Wildcats (2021-2022 season: 14-12 overall, 8-8 conference, 5th)

6. Assumption (2021-2022 season: 11-14 overall, 5-11 conference, 6th)

Sleeper: Prentice (North), Stratford (South)

Projected POY:

South: Mason Prey (Senior) - Newman Catholic

North: Isaiah Dietz (Senior) - Chequamegon

Seniors to Watch:

Layne Blomberg (Prentice)

Aiden Janke (Athens)

Connor Krach (Newman Catholic)

Isaac Seidel (Newman Catholic)

Alex Willfahrt (Auburndale)

Conference Games to Watch:

12/20/2022 - Marathon @ Newman Catholic

1/19/2023 - Chequamegon @ Newman Catholic

1/24/2023 - Auburndale @ Stratford

2/17/2023 - Prentice @ Chequamegon

2/23/2023 - Newman Catholic @ Stratford

Non-Conference Games to Watch:

12/5/2022 - Columbus Catholic @ Auburndale

12/22/2022 - Hurley @ Chequamegon

1/3/2023 - Prentice @ Bruce

1/28/2023 - Stratford @ Neillsville

2/18/2023 - Newman Catholic @ Stoughton

2022-2023 Northern Lakes (WI) Conference Preview

Overview:

Florence has been probably the most consistent team in the Northern Lakes over the last five seasons. Expect them to be competing at the top of the conference since they return the only 1st-Team All-Conference section (Evan Johnson - 15.6ppg) and Co-Defensive POY (Dominic DeMuri - 9.6ppg) from last season. Along with those two, William Kelley is a promising junior who averaged 12.5ppg last season and was a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection. They were competitive last season but Wabeno-Laona just had to much scoring power. Wabeno-Laona graduated their two leading scorers, but still bring back Carter Janesch (10.4ppg). Goodman-Pembine and Three Lakes are in very similar situations, where they lost a couple of seniors who were key pieces but also bring back some young talent that might be able to keep them in the mix of things. Goodman-Pembine returns Honorable Mention All-Conference selection Ryan Ehlert (14.6ppg). Three Lakes brings back Jared Kaufman (8.4ppg and 10.0rpg), who was also Honorable Mention All-Conference. The bottom three teams don't return any All-Conference selections. Crandon does have some decent players returning this season, but I don't anticipate it being enough to keep them competitive to win the conference. Elcho graduated two All-Conference selections in a year where they still struggled, so I can't expect much more out of them this year. Phelps hasn't won a game in two years, so I have to pick them at the bottom until they prove me otherwise.

Projections:

1. Florence Bobcats (2021-2022 season: 19-6 overall, 7-3 conference, 2nd)

2. Wabeno/Laona Rebels (2021-2022 season: 19-6 overall, 9-1 conference, 1st)

3. Goodman/Pembine (2021-2022 season: 15-9 overall, 5-5 conference, 4th)

4. Three Lakes Blue Jays (2021-2022 season: 14-7 overall, 6-4 conference, 3rd)

5. Crandon Cardinals (2021-2022 season: 7-17 overall, 2-8 conference, 5th)

6. Elcho (2021-2022 season: 10-13 overall, 1-9 conference, 6th)

7. Phelps (2021-2022 season: 0-2 overall, 0-0 conference, 7th)

Sleeper: Three Lakes

Projected POY: Evan Johnson (Senior) - Florence

Seniors to Watch:
Dominic DeMuri (Florence)

Carter Janesch (Wabeno-Laona)

Peyton Krause (Crandon)

Adam Seeber (Wabeno-Laona)

John Slowik (Elcho)

Conference Games to Watch:

12/2/2022 - Goodman-Pembine @ Crandon

12/13/2022 - Wabeno-Laona @ Florence

12/16/2022 - Wabeno-Laona @ Goodman-Pembine

1/10/2023 - Three Lakes @ Goodman-Pembine

2/13/2023 - Three Lakes @ Florence

Non-Conference Games to Watch:

11/26/2022 - McDonell Central vs. Wabeno-Laona @ Wausau East

12/20/2022 - Forest Park (MI) @ Florence

1/3/2023 - Wakefield-Marenisco (MI) @ Three Lakes

2/7/2023 - Chequamegon @ Florence

2/16/2023 - Pacelli @ Wabeno/Laona

2022-2023 Big Rivers Conference Preview

Overview:

There was so much talent in the 2022 graduating class out of the entire Big Rivers Conference. 2 NCAA Division 1 commits (Noah Fedderson - North Dakota State & LJ Wells - Northern Kentucky), 4 NCAA Division 2 commits (Andre Renta - St. Cloud State, Mehki Shaw - Southwest Minnesota State, Will Boser - Concordia-St. Paul, & CJ Campbell - Northern Michigan), along with numerous other players going to play at other levels. It doesn't appear their will be as many scholarship level kids this year, but the talent level is still pretty high in the conference.

Eau Claire Memorial may have lost the most talent of any school, but also returns some players that should keep them at the top. Mason Stoik (2022 Honorable Mention All-Conference), Ben Mestelle, Connor Welsch, and Cooper Jasperson is a solid group returning. 2-5 in the conference is kind of a toss up this year. Rice Lake returns their two All-Conference selections from last season (Tyler Orr - 22.0ppg and Zach Orr - 10.6ppg). Hudson always brings back athletic groups, but this year it is headed by Ben Healy. Eau Claire North plays so well together, that it's getting hard to pick them any lower than 4th every year. They don't return any big name players, but they just find a way to be competitive every year. Chippewa Falls is a team that could surprise some people this year. They return a senior class who had to step into some new roles last season, and that seemed to be a tough transition for them. I think after a season of playing in those roles they will be ready to get back to the middle of the conference again. Mason Monarski should be one of the top scorers in the conference this season. River Falls has graduated so many talented players over the last two seasons, it's hard to imagine that they won't fall off a little this year. Although they always have good athletes and somehow manage to remain competitive. Menomonie returns Charlie Morning, but also lose their top two scores from last season to graduation. That's a lot to replace on a team that couldn't get things rolling last year. New Richmond loses the Scoring Champ from last season, who also finished second in rebounding in the conference. They still struggled in their transition to the Big Rivers, I would expect more struggles this season.

Projections:

1. Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes (2021-2022 season: 22-5 overall, 13-1 conference, 1st)
2. Rice Lake Warriors (2021-2022 season: 14-11 overall, 6-8 conference, 5th)

3. Hudson Raiders (2021-2022 season: 13-11 overall, 8-6 conference, t-3rd)

4. Eau Claire North Huskies (2021-2022 season: 13-11 overall, 8-6 conference, t-3rd)

5. Chippewa Falls Cardinals (2021-2022 season: 4-21 overall, 2-12 conference, 8th)

6. River Falls Wildcats (2021-2022 season: 20-6 overall, 11-3 conference, 2nd)

7. Menomonie Mustangs (2021-2022 season: 11-15 overall, 4-10 conference, t-6th)

8. New Richmond Tigers (2021-2022 season: 8-18 overall, 4-10 conference, t-6th)

Sleeper: Chippewa Falls

Projected POY: Mason Stoik (Senior) - Eau Claire Memorial

Seniors to Watch:

Tyler Orr (Rice Lake)

Mason Monarski (Chippewa Falls)

Ben Healy (Hudson)

Charlie Morning (Menomonie)

Ben Mestelle (Eau Claire Memorial)

Conference Games to Watch:

12/2/2022 - Chippewa Falls @ Rice Lake

1/28/2023 - Eau Claire Memorial @ River Falls

2/4/2023 - River Falls @ Hudson

2/10/2023 - Eau Claire North @ Eau Claire Memorial

2/23/2023 - Chippewa Falls @ Eau Claire Memorial

Non-Conference Games to Watc

12/29/2022 - Sussex Hamilton @ Eau Claire Memorial

1/10/2023 - Chippewa Falls @ DC Everest

1/14/2023 - Caledonia vs. Rice Lake (@ La Crosse Center)

2/7/2023 - Hudson @ Minnehaha Academy

2/21/2023 - Rice Lake @ Northwestern

2022-2023 Heart O' North Conference Preview

Overview:

Ladysmith and Cameron are the two obvious choices to with the most All-Conference selections returning, both have three. Cameron is coming off a State Tournament appearance and I think that gives them the confidence they need to win conference. They also return their three leading scorers (Tyson Lucas - 16.7ppg, Grant Paetzold - 14.6ppg, and Zory Parker - 13.3ppg). Ladysmith brings back three All-Conference selections who were also their leading scorers a year ago (Brady Ingersoll - 20.4ppg, Eli Rogers - 12.3ppg, and Mitchell Lehman 10.9ppg). Northwestern returns two 1st-Team All-Conference selections (Cole Lahti & Jase Nelson), which should keep them competitive. Barron could sneak into the mix of contenders with their two All-Conference returners as well (Caiden LaLiberty - 2nd-Team & Regan Vruwink - HM). Jax Effertz (1st-Team & 17.8ppg) is going to need to have a productive season to keep Cumberland competitive. Saint Croix Falls graduated a good senior class in 2022, it might be tough to replace but they always seem to have good athletes. Chetek-Weyerhaeuser could make some noise, but I don't anticipate it being enough to be competitive at the top of the HoN. Spooner is coming off their best season in awhile, but graduated their best players. I don't anticipate Ashland or Hayward making a huge jump this season, both programs seem to be struggling with not a lot of new talent coming into the programs.

Projections:

1. Cameron Comets (2021-2022 season: 19-8 overall, 12-5 conference, t-2nd)

2. Ladysmith Lumberjacks (2021-2022 season: 17-7 overall, 12-5 conference, t-2nd)

3. Northwestern Tigers (2021-2022 season: 22-4 overall, 17-0 conference, 1st)

4. Barron Golden Bears (2021-2022 season: 10-15 overall, 9-9 conference, 6th)

5. Cumberland Beavers (2021-2022 season: 9-16 overall, 5-12 conference, 7th)

6. Saint Croix Falls Saints (2021-2022 season: 14-11 overall, 11-7 conference, t-4th)

7. Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Bulldogs (2021-2022 season: 8-17 overall, 5-13 conference, 8th)

8. Spooner Rails (2021-2022 season: 11-13 overall, 11-7 conference, t-4th)

9. Ashland Oredockers(2021-2022 season: 5-19 overall, 3-14 conference, 9th)

10. Hayward Hurricanes (2021-2022 season: 5-19 overall, 2-15 conference, 10th)

Sleeper: Barron

Projected POY: Brady Ingersoll (Senior) - Ladysmith

Seniors to Watch:

Jax Effertz (Cumberland)

Cole Lahti (Northwestern)

Jase Nelson (Northwestern)

Grant Paetzold (Cameron)

Zory Parker (Cameron)

Conference Games to Watch:

12/6/2022 - Northwestern @ Ladysmith

12/9/2022 - Cumberland @ Barron

1/20/2023 - Saint Croix Falls @ Barron

2/9/2023 - Ladysmith @ Cameron

2/14/2023 - Cameron @ Northwestern

Non-Conference Games to Watch:

11/29/2022 - Saint Croix Falls @ Unity

12/28/2022 - Whitehall @ Ladysmith

2/6/2023 - Prescott @ Cameron

2/20/2023 - Cumberland @ Bloomer

2/21/2023 - Rice Lake @ Northwestern

2022-2023 Indianhead Conference Preview

Overview:

Appears to be a three horse race between Drummond, Hurley, and Solon Springs. Hurley returns their two best players from a State Tournament appearance (Eli Talsma - 20.8ppg & Dom Croci - 12.8ppg). Hurley also lost their two main interior players due to graduation, which might make it more difficult for Eli and Dom to get the shots they want. I think Solon Springs will give them a good run for their money, but I'm sticking with the experience of Hurley until proven otherwise. Solon Springs appears to have the depth to win the conference, mostly in their junior class (Isaiah Kastern - 1st-Team All-Conference & Dylan Taggert - 3rd-Team All-Conference) but they might still be a year away. Drummond always seems to be in the mix with their style of play, and they do return All-Conference select Alex Rasmussen. Washburn found a way to stay competitive last season and return their two All-Conference selections (Brenden Walson - 3rd-Team & Austin Barningham - HM) who should help the team win a few more games. South Shore struggled to stay at the top of the Indianhead while having the leading scorer in Wisconsin. The bright side for them is bringing back Carter Lulich who averaged 19.8ppg might be able to keep them at the top. Mellen doesn't return any All-Conference selections, but they play a style of basketball that always keeps them in the middle to upper part of the conference. I expected Lac Courte Oreilles to struggle last season, but they exceeded my expectations. Now they have a returning All-Conference selection in James Wilson (Honorable Mention) and would think they could move up a bit. Bayfield, Mercer, and Butternut round out the conference (all with no returning All-Conference selections).

Projections:

1. Hurley Northstars (2021-2022 season: 24-5 overall, 17-1 conference, 1st)

2. Solon Springs Eagles (2021-2022 season: 18-7 overall, 14-4 conference, 3rd)

3. Drummond LumberJacks (2021-2022 season: 20-4 overall, 14-3 conference, 2nd)

4. Washburn Castle Guards (2021-2022 season: 10-12 overall, 10-7 conference, 5th)

5. South Shore Cardinals (2021-2022 season: 17-9 overall, 13-4 conference, 4th)

6. Mellen Granite Diggers (2021-2022 season: 10-15 overall, 7-11 conference, 7th)

7. Lac Courte Oreilles Eagles (2021-2022 season: 4-20 overall, 3-15 conference, 8th)

8. Bayfield Trollers (2021-2022 season: 8-13 overall, 7-10 conference, 6th)

9. Mercer Tigers (2021-2022 season: 2-23 overall, 1-17 conference, 10th)

10. Butternut Midgets (2021-2022 season: 6-18 overall, 2-16 conference, 9th)

Sleeper: Drummond

Projected POY: Eli Talsma (Senior) - Hurley

Seniors to Watch:
Dominic Croci - Hurley

Carter Lulich - South Shore

Alex Rasmussen - Drummond

Tyler Runice - Drummond

Brenden Walson - Washburn

Conference Games to Watch:

12/15/2022 - Mellen @ Washburn

12/19/2022 - South Shore @ Solon Springs

1/27/2023 - Drummond @ Hurley

2/10/2023 - Drummond @ Solon Springs

2/17/2023 - Solon Springs @ Hurley

Non-Conference Games to Watch:
12/1/2022 - South Shore vs. Duluth Denfeld

12/1/2022 - Solon Springs @ Northwood

12/12/2022 - Bayfield @ Ashland

12/20/2022 - Cameron @ South Shore

12/22/2022 - Hurley @ Chequamegon

2022-2023 Conference Preview Schedule

A list of our upcoming conference previews. Previews will include overview, projected order of finish, conference POY, 5 Seniors to watch, 5 conference games to watch, and 5 non-conference games to watch.

Monday, October 24 - Indianhead

Tuesday, October 25 - Heart O' North

Wednesday, October 26 - Big Rivers

Thursday, October 27 - Northern Lakes (WI)

Friday, October 28 - Marawood - North & South

Monday, October 31 - Great Northern (WI)

Tuesday, November 1 - Lakeland - East & West

Wednesday, November 2 - Lake Superior

Thursday, November 3 - Polar - Large & Small

Friday, November 4 - Iron Range

Monday, November 7 - Northland

Tuesday, November 8 - Great River

Wednesday, November 9 - Arrowhead

Thursday, November 10 - Northern Lakes (MN)

Friday, November 11 - Mid-State

Monday, November 13 - Great Northern (MI)

Tuesday, November 14 - Copper Mountain

Wednesday, November 15 - West PAC

Thursday, November 16 - Skyline Central

Friday, November 17 - Eastern UP/Straits Area