Badger-Large Conference Preview - Boys Basketball

Below is a boys basketball conference preview. Included in each preview is the previous year standings, review, returning all-conference players, projected standings with writeup, a sleeper team, top players to watch, conference break out candidates.

It came down to the final week to determine exactly how many teams were going to share the Badger-Large conference title last year as Beaver Dam and Waunakee ended up splitting the crown. Oregon and Monona Grove were one game back despite MG losing their star Austin Luchetti in the pre-season scrimmage. Come playoff time it was a surprisingly early exit for all teams in the conference as the Badger-Large produced no regional championships amongst the eight teams.

Head Coach: Dan Zweifel - 31st year (378 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Blake Leach
Returners: Evan Luchetti, 6-3, jr; Henry Thome, 6-3, sr; Luke Chynoweth, 6-0, sr; Alex Dean, 6-0, sr; Jayden Jackson, 6-8, soph; Carson Schoenherr, 6-2, jr; Colten Jenkins, 6-3, sr; Hunter Meyer, 6-0, sr; Logan Hanson, 6-6, sr; Henry Toijala, 6-3, sr; Austin Luchetti, 6-7, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Mason Wallace, 6-8, jr; Jaxson Zukowski; Chase Jackson, 6-5, soph
Breakout Candidate: Mason Wallace

Outlook: It’s an embarrassment of riches for Coach Zweifel in Monona Grove as the Silver Eagles are one of the deepest, biggest, and most talented teams in the state. Last season Austin Luchetti went down with a season-ending injury in the pre-season scrimmage, but the Northern Illinois commit is back. Players such as Evan Luchetti, Henry Thome, Alex Dean, and Luke Chynowerth got great experience due to that. Jayden Jackson and Mason Wallace are Division 1 prospects and provide great size on the interior. The individual talent is in abundance. The non-conference schedule will be challenging. The Silver Eagles are primed for a big 2026-27.

Head Coach: Tyler Selk - 4th (61 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Benton Cralam, Owen Wagner, Owen Gillingham, RT Thompson, Jake Ubersox
Returners: Mac Johnson, 6-5, sr; Charlie Elliott, 6-3, jr; Wes DuCharme, 6-4, sr; Samuel Follen, 6-2, sr; Jacob Muniz, 5-11, jr; Gavin Selk, 6-3, sr; Carter Hill, 6-4, sr; Quinn Stein, 5-8, sr; Ryan Lutz, 6-3, sr; Keagan Ballard, 6-1, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Cade Murphy, jr; Zander Mackenzie, jr; Rajon House, jr; Nolan Misfeldt, jr
Breakout Candidate: Jacob Muniz

Outlook: It is never smart to think Waunakee will not be in the hunt for a conference title and playoff push year in and year out. That’s the story this year. Wes DuCharme leads an experience team back in 2026-27. Ducharme and Mac Johnson are two versatile and good-sized wings that do can do it all. Jacob Muniz can knock shots down at an alarming clip from the outside for Warriors. Coach Selk has done a great job of putting his teams in favorable positions consistently year after year. His groups play together, are fundamentally sound, and defend at a high clip. It’s why Waunakee will always be considered a team to watch in the Badger-Large.

Head Coach: Tim Ladron - 19th year (264 career wins)
Lost Contributors: EJ Salettel, Parker Blank, Cruz Rhode, Nick Krezinski, Eli Johnson
Returners: Ben Wittnebel, 6-6, jr; Isaiah Yuenger, 6-4, sr; Jaxon Ladron, 6-0, sr; Jaeden Born, 6-3, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Landon Leisses, 5-11, jr; Abe Wilke, 5-10, jr; Max Moritz, 6-5, sr; Lukas Longseth, 6-8, sr; Tyler Devries, 6-2; sr; Brock Hiley, 5-11, sr; Jake SCharfenberg, 5-11, sr; Ashtyn Seifert, 6-3, sr;
Breakout Candidate: Ben Wittnebel

Outlook: Beaver Dam shared the league crown a season ago but do have two strong guards to replace in graduates EJ Salletel and Parker Blank. Coach Ladron does return three starters however, including one of the top juniors in the state in Ben Wittnebel. He’s grown his game and is a next-level Division 1 prospect. Seniors Isaiah Yuenger and Jaxon Ladron are both very good players in the conference and provide leadership and poise for the Golden Beavers. An influx of players from the lower levels will help flesh out the roster, but with the top end talent, Beaver Dam can beat anyone on any given night.

Head Coach: Eric Stewart - 5th year (45 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Brooks Ohmen, Collin Paskey, Blake Rauber
Returners: Jayden Doedens, 6-0, jr; Ben Pritzl, 6-2, soph; Liam Schloemer, 6-7, sr; Phillip Thronsen, 6-1, sr; Cooper Brown, 6-1, sr; Michael Allen, 6-4, jr;
Newcomers/New Contributors: Brady Uelman, 6-1, soph; Damani Morris, 6-4, soph
Breakout Candidate: Brady Uelman

Outlook: DeForest is no slouch in the Badger-Large and have a very talented and deep back court rotation. Headlined by Jayden Doedens and Ben Pritzl who both were very talented guards as underclassmen. They can really score the ball. Liam Schloemer provides great size on the inside and sophomore Brady Uelman and Damani Morris will likely step into big minutes right away with the Norskies. Size and rebounding may be cause for concern, but the guard play is what is going to be the difference maker for Eric Stewart’s group in 2026-27.

Head Coach: Ian Kirst - 4th year (46 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Collin Branch, Nathan Adcock, Carson Ofstie
Returners: Ryan DeLorimier, 6-0, sr; Max Grady, 5-9, jr; Ike Udy, 6-4, sr; Samuel Smith, 6-0, sr; Blake Sisson, 6-0, sr; Lucas Jushka, 6-3, sr; Noah Olson, 6-1, sr; DJ Nicholson, 6-0, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Graham Musgrove, 5-10, jr; Nolan Hoff, 6-2, soph; Bryce Skemp, 6-5, soph
Breakout Candidate: Max Grady

Outlook: Milton is coming off a 14-win season and return all but two major contributors from that squad. Both Max Grady and Ryan DeLorimier earned all-conference honors and will lead the Red Hawks squad that is well-experienced and has depth. There is some talented underclassmen within the Milton program as well as Nolan Hoff and Bryce Skemp could be impact players as sophomores this season.

Head Coach: Chris Seibert - 9th year (113 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Brayden Hermsdorf, Brady Hook, Mason Hoffer, Ethan Pagels, Will Schmitt, Nolan Erfurth, Nicholas Jacob
Returners: Dillon McCarthy, 6-0, sr; Koby Diaz, 6-5, jr; Sam Tsai, 6-3, sr; Danny Neis, 6-2, sr;
Newcomers/New Contributors: Brooks Randal, jr; Ben Hook, jr; Greyson Heitz, 6-2, soph
Breakout Candidate: Koby Diaz

Outlook: A lot of production graduated from last year’s 14-win squad for Coach Seibert. Going into 2026-27, the Panthers appear to be a balanced squad that despite the lack of experience, should step into those roles a little more seamlessly. Dillon McCarthy and Koby Diaz are the top returners in terms of production as Diaz is one of the better juniors in the conference. Shooting and IQ were listed as perceived strengths for the Panthers this upcoming year.

Head Coach: Tyler Fish - 8th year (60 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Isaiah Romano-Thompson, Tanner Goeckermann, Behr LeFevre, Jon Moon, Tyson LaMere
Returners: Carter Rivas, 6-0, sr; Claytin DuCharme, 6-7, sr; Brady Bauer, 6-3, jr; Jack Brinker, 5-11, sr; Canon James, 6-4, sr; Owen Rogers, 6-1, sr;
Newcomers/New Contributors: Reed James, 6-3, soph; Lee Cowan, 6-3, soph; Jack Basinski, 6-0, jr; Rex Borota, 6-0, jr; Gage Huebing, 6-2, jr
Breakout Candidate: Brady Bauer

Outlook: Baraboo has some really good pieces back this season but the Badger-Large is just talented top to bottom. Carter Rivas is a very good combo guard that can score it at an elite clip. Claytin Ducharme and Brady Bauer add length on the wings position for a Thunderbirds squad that will have good size and defensive versatility in this upcoming season. Coach Fish will lean on that length to create advantages on the defensive side and turn those deflections and tips into transition on the offensive side.

Head Coach: Brian Richert - 1st year (256 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Macallister Hayes (transfer), Davis Cashin
Returners: Landon Washetas, 6-3, sr; Calvin Timmel, 6-3, sr; Alex David, 6-0, sr; Rowan Loontjer, 6-1, sr; Kaden Medina, 6-0, sr; Blake Stamper, 6-2, sr;
Newcomers/New Contributors: Gabe Nieto, Aiyden Parr-Mitchell, Connelly Cashin, 5-11, jr
Breakout Candidate: Calvin Timmel

Outlook: A new coach takes the reigns for the Goslings in 2026-27 as Brian Richert comes over after three seasons at Kettle Moraine. He inherits a roster that is almost entirely intact from a season ago. Landon Washetas and Calvin Timmel are the top returners though six major contributors are back including Alex David, Rowan Loontjer, Kaden Medina, and Blake Stamper. The Badger-Large is just really strong top to bottom in 2026-27 and getting wins will be a challenge each night.

Chris Seibert has done a good job at Oregon of getting his teams to reach their potential and at times overachieve. He has a roster this year with a mix of talented players and newcomers that come the back half of the season will begin to mesh. I would not be surprised whatsoever if we saw Oregon score wins over the favorites in our projected standings throughout the year.

Brady Bauer, jr, Baraboo
An honorable mention all-league selection a season ago, Bauer is poised to break out for Baraboo. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds and is versatile on both ends of the floor.

Ryan Delorimier, sr, Milton
Delorimier was an honorable mention all-league selection a season ago when he averaged 11.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He’s one of the top shooters in the area as the 6-0 guard knocked down 62 triples a season ago, making them at a 40.3% clip.

Kobe Diaz, jr, Oregon
Diaz averaged 4.8 points as a sophomore a season ago, and started a few games along the way. At 6-5, he’s multi-faceted, can shoot it well from deep, and has the ability to defend nearly every position on the court.

Jayden Doedens, jr, DeForest
Doedens missed time due to injury last year but when he’s on the court, he’s electric. The 6-0 lead guar averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game as a sophomore and earned honorable mention all-league honors.

Claytin DuCharme, sr, Baraboo
DuCharme is a rangy win that has a good mix of athleticism and skillset. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds a season ago. DuCharme is a tough task for larger defenders as he’s comfortable playing on the wing and with the ball in his hands.

Wes DuCharme, sr, Waunakee
DuCharme is the leader back for the Warriors and the only first team all-conference player back from a season ago in the entire league. He averaged 16.3 points and 4.6 assists per game. DuCharme is poised for another big year scoring the ball and will likely surpass 1,000 career points in the process.

Max Grady, jr, Milton
Grady was one of two honorable mention all-league selections for Milton a season ago. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He’s a heady lead guard that will have a good group around him this season where he’ll be able to utilize his ability to facilitate well.

Jayden Jackson, soph, Monona Grove
Jackson is one of the best players in the state in the Class of 2029. The 6-9 forward is strong and skilled and ever-improving his shooting touch from further from the hoop. He has taken recruiting visits to in-state Wisconsin and Marquette and has interest from a handful of other Division 1 colleges.

Jaxon Ladron, sr, Beaver Dam
The steady leader for the Golden Beavers, Jaxon is the son of head coach Tim Ladron and is an extension of that leadership on the court. As a junior he averaged 6.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game earning honorable mention and all-defense team honors. He’s a fantastic multi-sport athlete and has received interest from schools to play football at the next level.

Austin Luchetti, sr, Monona Grove
Luchetti missed his entire junior season last year after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason scrimmage. The 6-7 wing is extremely skilled and fearless and as a sophomore averaged 15.5 points per game. Luchetti has committed to Division 1 Northern Illinois to play college hoops.

Evan Luchetti, jr, Monona Grove
The younger Luchetti stepped into a role he may not have had last year with his older brother missing due to injury. Evan led the team averaging 16.6 points per game and earning second team all-league honors. A big-time guard that got big-time experience a season ago, Evan has grown tremendously over the last two seasons.

Jacob Muniz, jr, Waunakee
Muniz is one of the top shooters in the conference and turned that into averaging 12.5 points per game. At 5-11 his shot prep is great and led him to earning second team all-Badger Large honors.

Ben Pritzl, soph, DeForest
Pritzl is one of the best sophomores in the state and started every game for the Norskies last season as a freshman. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game and earned honorable mention all-conference recognition. The 6-3 guard can get it going from deep on any given night, proving he’s a three-level scorer.

Carter Rivas, sr, Baraboo
Rivas is the top returning scorer in the conference, having averaged 20 points per game a season ago for the Thunderbirds. He was a second team all-league performer and has received interest from Division 3 schools around the Midwest, including an offer from St. Norbert College.

Henry Thome, sr, Monona Grove
Thome may get lost in the shuffle with the talent on the Monona Grove, but make no mistake, the 6-3 guard can hoop. As a junior he averaged 9.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game and was an honorable mention and all-defense team selection in the Badger-Large.

Mason Wallace, jr, Monona Grove
Wallace transferred out of Monona Grove following his freshman year, but returned before the start of the basketball season as a sophomore. He was ineligible to play varsity minutes due to that transfer and played on the JV team. Wallace is a 6-9 front court player that recently received a Division 1 offer from in-state Milwaukee.

Ben Wittnebel, jr, Beaver Dam
A rising player in the junior class the last two seasons, Wittnebel is one of the best collegiate prospects in the conference. As a junior, the 6-6 wing, he averaged 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game and was a second team all-league honoree. Wittnebel holds a handful of college offers including from Division 1 schools Green Bay, Northern Illinois and Southern Utah.

Isaiah Yuenger, sr, Beaver Dam
Yuenger comes into his senior year having already surpassed 1,000 career points. He averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a junior and is a versatile forward that can score it from anywhere in the half court.