Practice has begun as of Monday morning and the boys basketball season is officially underway. The first games aren’t until next Tuesday, November 25, but there are a load of players to keep an eye on this season.
This week we’ll roll out pre-season all-state choices, broken down into the 2028, 2027, and 2026 grades. For the senior class (2026), we will list a first team of ten athletes, a second team of five more, and then a number of honorable mentions. For the junior class (2027), we will list a first and second team, and then a number of honorable mentions. For the sophomore class (2028), we will list a first team, and then a number of honorable mentions.
The talent in the state continues to grow, so many good basketball players will be left of these lists.
First Team
(listed alphabetically)
CJ Costello, Madison La Follette
Costello was a major contributor as a freshman for a good La Follette squad last season. The quick guard is part of a Lancer rotation that has plenty of playmakers that can force pressure on defenses with the dribble. Costello will do just that, attack downhill off the dribble, and with the talent around him this season, he’ll have ample space to create.
Kinston Knueppel, Wisconsin Lutheran
Knueppel showed flashes of his potential at times last season but played reserved at times. Coming into his sophomore season, he’ll likely have a breakout year, upping his aggressive and showcasing the full arsenal of his offensive skillset. Like his older brothers, his basketball IQ and footwork are hard to rival by anyone in his class, which sets him apart.
Mat Rosplochowski, Appleton North
On a very talented Appleton North team, Rosplochowski averaged nearly ten points per game and grew rapidly in his confidence and capability. The 6-2 shooting guard will have another year of progression under his belt and being on a talented team once again will likely lead to more opportunities to score and create.
Tyler Schwalbach, Kaukauna
Schwalbach played in all 27 games with six starts for the Galloping Ghosts last season, where he averaged 4.5 points and 1.9 assists per game. With Keegan Van Kauwenberg gone to graduation, Schwalbach will likely slide into the starting point guard role. The 6-2 sophomore can facilitate, score off the bounce, and knock shots down from the perimeter.
Ja’Quan Turner, Oak Creek
Turner is arguably the best off the dribble in the sophomore class. With his acceleration, handles, and ability to elevate, the 6-4 sophomore is a nightmare to stop from getting to the rim. He averaged 8.8 points per game as a freshman, and with Oak Creek now competing in the Classic Eight conference this season, he’ll have every opportunity to prove he can do it against well-coached and talented teams.
Honorable Mentions: Trent Chandonais, Stevens Point; Mehki Collins, Racine Case, Layton Fish, Oconomowoc; Nick Grice, Homestead; Terrin Jackson, Verona; Byron Jones, Fond du Lac; Marvin Jones, Kenosha Bradford; Charlie Kwapil, Racine Case, Josiah Linsley, Kenosha Indian Trail; Xander MacKenzie, Waunakee; Jacob Munitz, Waunakee; Jayden Pryzbilla, Gavin Schiek, Franklin; Marquette University; Corvalis Stewart, Madison West; Jaylen Trotter, Homestead; Kobe Twyman, Chippewa Falls; Davian White, Brookfield East; Jaxson Wyngaard, Kimberly
Colton Wilson serves a contributor and member of Bound Wisconsin. Wilson has worked in high school sports for 10 years, covering the state of Wisconsin in various sports. He has had roles in content creation, boys basketball coverage, director of events, and data management. Wilson is a graduate of Richland Center High School where he will currently serves as the Varsity Reserve boys basketball coach, entering his eleventh year coaching at the high school level. Wilson also has officiated basketball and organized youth tournaments for multiple years. You can follow him on Twitter at @ColtonWilson23 or reach him at [email protected].