Big Eight 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.

Madison Memorial and Middleton finished the season sharing the conference crown, one game up on Verona. The Spartans got back to the state tournament in Steve Collins final season at the helm, finishing with a silver ball. To get there, they knocked off both Middleton and Verona in sectional play. As a whole, the Big Eight went 8-4 outside of the league, having one of the better playoffs in a while as a whole. Janesville Parker head coach Matt Bredesen won game number 100.

Verona and Middleton seem to be the teams to beat in the Big Eight this year as both have very good players back and a winning pedigree. La Follette has a plethora of talent on the roster, as does teams up and down the conference. Middleton head coach Kevin Bavery is just three wins away from 500 in his career coming into 2026-27.

Head Coach: Curtrel Robinson - 5th year (169 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Eli Andres, Jackson Connor, Maddox Boado, Owen Ayite-Atayi
Returners: Will Stremlow, 6-3, sr; Terrin Jackson, 5-9, jr; Caden Jonjak, 6-2, sr; Deonte Phillips, 6-2, jr; Branden Lee, 6-1, sr; Max Crimmings, 6-6, jr
Newcomers/New Contributors:
Breakout Candidate: Caden Jonjak

Outlook: Verona came just one game shy of sharing the Big Eight conference crown a season ago and came equally close to a state tournament berth, falling by two points to Madison Memorial in the sectional final. Arguably the top player in the conference will suit up for Verona in senior Will Stremlow and an up and coming junior Terrin Jackson is back to form a solid one-two punch. Caden Jonjak is primed for a big year with the Wildcats while Deonte Phillips and Max Crimmings are a pair that could step into bigger roles.

Head Coach: Kevin Bavery - 21st year (497 career wins)
Lost Contributors: John Grimes, Jackson Guerrero, Andrew Qastin, Luke Sheehan
Returners: Carter Parks, 6-4, jr; Cormac Carlson, 6-0, jr; Parker Klein, 6-3, soph; Eli Breunig, 6-3, sr; Will Russell, 6-3, sr; Eli Anderson, 5-8 sr; Campbell Kaufman, 6-4, sr; Isaiah Nehring, 6-1, jr; Brycen Hoye, 5-8, sr; Graham Luetscher, 6-0, sr; Jack Dawson, 6-0, sr; RJ Gardner, 5-10, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Grant Parks, 6-3, frosh
Breakout Candidate: Parker Klein

Outlook: A season ago Middleton shared the conference crown and took home a regional championship before falling to league rival Madison Memorial in the sectional semis. Four starters are graduated from that group but three of the top seven return for head coach Kevin Bavery. Carter Parks is an uber-talented multi-sport athlete that excels on the hardwood. Cormac Carlson and Parker Klein are two talented perimeter returners who should see an uptick in production. A good mix of returning varsity players and underclassmen should make this Cardinals team competitive each and every practice. Coach Bavery is three wins shy of 500 for his career and he has another group that should compete for Big Eight title.

Head Coach: Torrance Holmes - 4th year (50 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Thian Riak, Ter’rell Moss, Graham Quanbeck
Returners: Reece Jordan Jr, 6-2, sr; Origin Prewitt, 6-0, sr; CJ Costello, 6-0, jr; Brayden Younger, 5-10, sr; Isaak Bernier, 6-2, sr; Byron Binion, 6-2, sr; Daelin Roberson, 5-11, jr; Javonta Morgan, 6-2, sr; Jamario Morgan, 6-2 sr; Patrick Toomey, 5-11, sr; Shaun Peeler, 5-10, sr; Chris Cannon, 6-5, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors:
Breakout Candidate: Daelin Roberson

Outlook: La Follette has some of the better individual talent in the league as Reece Jordan is one of the top all-around guards and Origin Prewitt and CJ Costello can both fill the stat sheet. The Lancers lose two starters from last year’s 15-win squad but have a deep group back that likes to push the pace, cause chaos, and get downhill. Coach Holmes has a stable of guards that as a group like to play in transition. Size and rebounding are concerns for the Lancers with a majority of the team listed at 6-2 and under.

Head Coach: Jay Swanson - 3rd year (41 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Jocquel Hamilton, Carter Jones, Kron Karsniqi, Jontay Taylor, Nolan Rustler, Zaivion Goudeau
Returners: Jahleel Weah, 5-8, sr; Almir Dervishi, 6-4, jr; TJ Foy, 6-2, sr; Bennett Sadler, 6-2, sr; Thomas Malone, 6-2, soph
Newcomers/New Contributors:
Breakout Candidate: Almir Dervishi

Outlook: Four players who started a season ago are gone including Zaivion Goudeau who transferred to play hoops out of state. However, there is plenty back for Coach Swanson, highlighted by senior guard Jahleel Weah. Both Almir Dervishi and TJ Foy started games a season ago for the Wolves providing size on the wings. Ben Sadler and Thomas Malone are likely to compete for a starting spot along with newcomers from their lower levels. The middle of the Big Eight is going to be competitive with a lot of teams that could finish in a handful of different positions in the standings.

Head Coach: Billy Wilson - 1st year
Lost Contributors: Anthony Miller, Andrew Braun, Caleb Liggon, Ezra Liggon, Cole Slack, Lavonte Johnson (Transfer), Quincy Sims (Transfer), Devin Prosser
Returners: KJ Cross, 6-5, sr; Will Lisowski-Semb, 5-11, sr; Martin Runde, 6-0, jr; Gotti Carreon, 6-5, jr; Jahcari Boyd, 6-2, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Jack Braun, jr; Jacob O’Neill, jr; Jayon Boone, jr
Breakout Candidate: KJ Cross

Outlook: Legendary head coach Steve Collins will not be on the sideline for Madison Memorial for the first time in 28 years. He went out leading the Spartans to the state tournament and a Division 1 runner-up finish. Enter Billy Wilson, an assistant over the past few years. He inherits a roster that took a big blow to graduation as well as the transferring out of two talented sophomores. However, KJ Cross showcased his skill last year and is a returner that is likely to take major strides as a senior. Will Lisowski, Gott Carreon, Martin Runde, and Jahcari Boyd are likely candidates to battle for those open starting spots. Depth and defensive versatility are strengths for this Memorial squad, while that experience will serve as a learning curve.

Head Coach: Matt Miota - 14th year (180 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Jayden Presley
Returners: DJ Nash, sr; Jawuan Chester, sr; Zion Ellis, sr; James Hassell, sr; Jordan Boyton, jr; Matteo Miota, jr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Tre Turner, sr (transfer)
Breakout Candidate: Tre Turner

Outlook: East will be back under the tutelage of Matt Miota as he takes over for the Purgolders after a couple seasons away. Four starters return for him from last year’s seven-win squad including second team all-league wing DJ Nash. Jawuan Chester, Zion Ellis, and James Hassell provide three more senior starters back, something that is invaluable. Add in the transfer of Tre Turner from Madison West, and there is a lot of production that gives East positive energy going into 2026-27.

Head Coach: Drew Slempkes - 3rd year (21 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Quincy Mosley, Breion Willis, Malachi Gavins, Jonah Wallace, Finley Wardrip, Jack McDonald, Tre Turner (transfer)
Returners: Corvalis Stewart Jr, 6-2, jr; Sam Strange, 6-5, jr; Kamaria Carter, 5-11, sr; Owen Smith, 6-2, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Quincy Sims, 6-2, soph (transfer); Kellan Bowie, 6-2, soph; Jamari Pope, 6-3, soph; Elliot Lighbourn, 6-5, jr; Brian Anonah, 6-2, soph
Breakout Candidate: Sam Strange

Outlook: Four of the top five scorers are gone from last year’s 12-win squad including transfer Tre Turner, who will suit up for East. Back for Drew Slempkes is one of the top players in the conference in Corvalis Stewart and another rising junior in Sam Strange. Kamaria Carer and Owen Smith will provide that senior leadership on the wings while new transfer sophomores Quincy Sims, Kellan Bowie, and Jamari Poppe all figure to push for playing time. Developing that chemistry quick is key to early success for the Regents.

Head Coach: Matt Bredesen - 9th year (102 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Brady Reed, Jayvion Hill
Returners: Javonte Johnson, 6-3, sr; Keyondre Johnson, 6-3, sr; Tyrell Jordan, 6-1, sr; Henry Simmons, 6-2, sr; Nolan Pagel, 6-0, sr; Nolan Ziegelmann, 6-4, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors: Greyson Coleman, 6-1, soph; JJ Knueppel, 5-10, jr; Dawson Straw, 6-1, soph
Breakout Candidate: Keyondre Johnson

Outlook: The Big 8 is a tough league to get wins in and Parker has struggle at times. This Parker team is senior loaded, something that is a huge plus for head coach Matt Bredesen. Javonte Johnson, Keyondre Johnson, Henry Simmons, and Nolan Pagel were all regular starters for the Vikings a season ago and provide that stability in high school sports that many coaches dream of. There is good size on the wings which provides Coach Bredesen flexibility on the defensive side of things.

Head Coach: Jack Hoag - 3rd year (24 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Nolan Duffy, Jamar Jenkins, Nathan Daskam
Returners: Keyon’Dre Thornton, sr; Dru DeGraaf, sr; Malachi Schoonover, jr'; Griffin Roth, jr; Jayvon Davis, jr; Alex Villapando, sr
Newcomers/New Contributors:
Breakout Candidate: Griffin Roth

Outlook: Jack Hoag enters Year 3 having to replace three starters from a season ago. Keyon’Dre Thornton and Dru DeGraff are a pair of senior leaders for a Cougar team that will have a few holes to fill. Juniors Griffin Roth and Malachi Schoonover were significant contributor as sophomores and likely to take a further step in their development. The middle and back end of the Big Eight will be competitive as there are spots to climb.

Head Coach: Steven Maselter - 5th year (58 career wins)
Lost Contributors: Van Vogler, Luke Wagner
Returners: Cam Glusick, sr; Kavanaugh Carter, soph; Taylor Matthews, soph; Kellen Russell, soph; Jaxson Pegeese, sr; Carson Selmer, sr; Evan Saugstad, jr; Aiden Dworak, jr; LJ Benedict, jr; Jack Marchese Jr, sr; Carson Selmer, sr; Luke Sather, sr;
Newcomers/New Contributors: Jacoby Vance
Breakout Candidate: Kavanaugh Carter

Outlook: The Cardinals were young last year and will be one of the younger teams in the conference yet again in 2026-27. Three freshman were in the top five scorers a season ago in Kavanaugh Carter, Taylor Matthews, and Kellen Russell. Add in returning senior starter Camden Glusic, Carson Selmer, and Jaxson Pegeese and this Cardinals team could be poised for a surprising 2026-27 year. It’ll be interesting to see how big of strides East takes this year and what sort of momentum can be created.

It may sound wild to call the team predicted last in the standings as a sleeper team, but that’s what I’m going to do. The Cardinals are young with three sophomores and a handful of juniors that contributed as underclassmen a season ago. If those players continue to take steps in their maturity and add strength, this could be a team that could cause some chaos in February.

Jawuan Chester, sr, Madison East
One of three returning double digit scorers for East, Chester is a great complement to DJ Nash in the Purgolder backourt. As a junior he averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

CJ Costello, jr, Madison La Follette
One of a trio of guards at La Follette that can flat out create with the ball in his hands. As a sophomore he started every game for the Lancers, and earned honorable mention all-conference honors.

KJ Cross, sr, Madison Memorial
Cross played important minutes as a junior a season ago on the Division 1 state runner-up Spartans. He’ll step into a much more prominent role as a senior and has taken strides to embrace that. Cross has received a handful of lower level college offers over the past few months, including one from Division 3 UW-Whitewater.

Almir Dervishi, jr, Sun Prairie West
Dervishi was the third leading scorer on the Wolves as a sophomore, averaging 9.4 points and also hauling in 4.1 rebounds per game. He was an honorable mention all-league selection.

Camden Glusick, sr, Sun Prairie East
The leader of the Cardinals, Glusick returns as one of three senior starters. Last season he averaged 12.8 points and 5.3 rebounds while burying 38 triples. He was an honorable mention all-league performer.

Terrin Jackson, jr, Verona
Jackson came into his own as a sophomore a season ago where he averaged eleven points and three assists per game, leading the Wildcat offense. He earned honorable mention all-league honors.

Javonte Johnson, sr, Janesville Parker
Johnson is a strong wing that with his combination of size and strength make him a versatile player on both ends of the floor. As a junior he averaged 14.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning second team All-Big Eight honors.

Reece Jordan Jr, sr, Madison La Follette
Jordan is one of the top scorers in the state as he averaged over 21 points per game as a junior. For his career, he’s scored 1,307. Jordan was a first team all-Big Eight player a season ago and is committed to Division 2 Augustana.

Carter Kavanaugh, soph, Sun Prairie East
Kavanaugh played a big role off the bench for East as a freshman a season ago. He averaged 8.4 points and 2.2 rebounds and is poised for a breakout year as a sophomore.

Parker Klein, soph, Middleton
Klein came off the bench as a sophomore for the conference winning Cardinals. He averaged 4.3 points per game. Klein can score it from all three levels and plays with a high IQ on the court.

DJ Nash, sr, Madison East
Nash is a bouncy wing that can score it at all three levels. As a junior he averaged 20 points and 7 rebounds per game and was a second team all-league selection.

Carter Parks, jr, Middleton
Parks averaged 14.3 points per game, starting for the Cardinals as a sophomore last season. He was a second team all-league selection and is one of the better athletes in the Big Eight.

Origin Prewitt, sr, Madison La Follette
Prewitt has been a steady ball handler and guard for the Lancers for a few years now for head coach Torrance Holmes. The 6-0 guard is lightning quick and uses change of pace well in getting to the rim.

Corvalis Stewart Jr, jr, Madison West
Stewart is one of the top guards in the Class of 2028 and returns as the top scorer for the Regents. As a sophomore he averaged 16.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game and was a second team all-league selection.

Will Stremlow, sr, Verona
Stremlow is one of the top players int he state, regardless of division. He’s gotten consistently better each year and with a strong club season, he’s earned a number of college offers, ultimately committing to Division 1 Northern Illinois. As a junior Stremlow averaged 20 points and 7 rebounds per game earning first team all-conference honors.

Keyon’Dre Thornton, sr, Janesville Craig
Thornton is the top returner from the Cougars a season ago, and one of two starters back. As a junior the 5-7 guard averaged 10 points per game.

Tre Turner, sr, Madison East
Turner will play for cross-town rival Madison East after playing at West the past few years. As a junior he averaged 12.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game earning honorable mention all-league honors.

Jahleel Weah, sr, Sun Paririe West
Weah is the top returning scorer for West as he averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game a season ago. The combo guard earned second team all-Big Eight honors.