Boys Basketball Preseason All-State: Division 2, Class of 2026

(listed alphabetically)

Burkes has played on a MAS team the past few seasons that was loaded with next level talent that is now graduated. That void left by the Class of 2025, is his to take as the 6-2 guard will likely step into a bigger role in the Nova offense. Burkes already holds a handful of Division 1 scholarship offers, including Nebraska and Toledo. With Science now up a division, with a new head coach, and roster turnover, Burkes is set to break out.

Daly is a super heady player that is one of the top returning scorers and rebounders from a season ago. The 6-6 forward has plenty of versatility in his game, as he can play with his back to the basket but also step out and attack off the dribble or knock down shots. His IQ sets him apart as he plays well off the ball. On top of that, Daly has a non-stop motor on defense. He currently holds an offer from a handful of Division 3 schools.

Davis was one of the more underrated players in the state for the past few seasons manning the helm at Nicolet. Recently the 5-11 senior lead guard gave a commitment to Division 1 Southern Utah. A season ago Davis averaged 21.7 points, shot 38.4% from three, and added 3.9 assists per game. He’s a steady leader, sets the tempo on both the offensive and defensive side of things, and can score at all three levels.

The big man from Brookfield Central has taken step after step over the past few seasons, culminating in his commitment to UW-Green Bay for next season. At 6-9 he’s a smooth lefty that does a majority of his work in and around the paint. He attacks the glass well, rebounding the ball and is a consistent deterrent for opposing offenses, as he collected 48 blocks last season. Gruetzmacher will get the opportunity to go up against some of the best in the state playing in the Greater Metro conference, which will push his development in-season.

Gustafson is the reigning Player of the Year in the Southern Lakes conference, and a WBCA All-State selection from last season. He’s a proven leader and has shown he can effect a game in a multitude of ways. Scoring-wise he's at over 1,100 in his career and has made 183 made threes while adding over four rebounds and two assists per game. Gustafson gave a commitment to Division 2 Northern Michigan, one of the best recruiting Division 2 programs in our state.

Hibner will head to Division 2 Minnesota-Duluth next season, but first will suit up one last time with Stoughton. Hibner is a proven playmaker on the offensive side and works his tail off on the defensive side of things, proven by his all-defensive selection in the Badger-Small. The 6-3 guard averaged 19.3 points and over three assists per game as a junior and will likely surpass 1,000 in his career.

Kloskey has grown just not in height since his freshman season, but his skillset. He’s grown into a force on both ends of the floor. He attacks the rim relentlessly on the offensive side and scores efficiently (he shot 65% from the field a season ago). Kloskey’s outside game is ever growing, and that potential has earned him a Division 1 offer from Green Bay, which he recently accepted. Tosa West will once again be one of the top teams in Division 2 this season, and Kloskey is going to be a major piece to their success.

Manchester is the top returning scorer in the state, by both points per game a season ago (31.1) and total career points (1,765). On top of that, he’s made 217 career three-point attempts over the past three seasons. Manchester has one of the quickest and pure shooting strokes in the state and at 6-4 has the size to get his shot up on most defenders. On top of that, he’s skilled with the ball in his hand and has a great hesitation and use of the shot fake where he can then score at the rim. Manchester currently holds Division 1 offers from East Tennessee State, Northern Illinois, and Green Bay.

Schultz is considered one of the harder working players in the Class of 2026 and that recently paid off, as he gave a commitment to Division 2 Michigan Tech. Schultz is a 6-3 guard that has all the tools on the offensive side, a will to work on the defensive side, and the IQ of a coaches kid to boot. The senior wing has 1,631 career points, 180 career three point makes, 491 rebounds, and 305 assists over the past three seasons, as he’s well on pace to surpass 2,000 career points. Plymouth will move into the new Glacier Trails conference this season and will be one of the favorites to take home the conference crown in the inaugural season.

Smith is an all-around wing that has excelled on the hardwood at Bradley Tech over the past three seasons. At 6-5, he’s a matchup nightmare for defenders as he can use his length and quickness to get by larger defenders, while his size and vertical ability allow him to elevate over smaller opponents. Smith is on pace to become the school’s all-time leading scorer this season. He also holds a handful of Division 1 offers, including one from in-state Milwaukee.

Dorgu lost his running mate in Elijah Fenner earlier this fall to a leg injury that will keep him out for the season. That partnered with the graduation of Amari Allen, and Dorgu will now step further into the spotlight for the Jaguars. The 6-8 forward is heading to Northern Michigan following his senior season, one which will likely be another break out winter. Dorgu is effective offensively near the rim and has great timing and instincts on the defensive side where he turned away 20 shots a season ago.

Evenson has developed his game year after year for the Wildcats, evidence in the fact that he is the top returning scorer in a very good Classic Eight conference. He can shoot lights out from deep when he gets going but is equally impressive in the mid-range game. Defensively, he has above average off-ball instincts and jumps passing lanes at a high rate. He currently holds a handful of offers from Division 2 and 3 schools.

With the top two scorers from last season gone, Juarez-Quinn will have the opportunity to come into his own as a go-to scorer during his senior campaign. At 6-6 his length and athletic ability allow him to elevate and finish near the rim. On top of that, the senior guard shot 46% from three last year, one of the top percentages of any player back regardless of grade level or division.

Kowal is as consistent as they come on the basketball court. The son of head coach Craig Kowal, Ian plays with a better understanding of the game than most his age. In addition, Ian has plenty of bounce and horizontal explosiveness as he keeps opposing ball handlers in check. Onalaska will be a team littered with younger players, and Ian’s ability to lead will be a big reason why the Hilltoppers will be competitive all season and into the playoffs come March.

Paddock played on an Elkhorn team that was very well balanced last season and even then he shined. He’s a 6-4 shooting guard effected the game at both ends in a handful of ways. Paddock averaged 12.7 points as a junior and shot 37% from three while averaging over five rebounds and two assists per game. He also is one of the top returnees in blocks and steals in the Southern Lakes.

Honorable Mentions: Xavier Allen, Milwaukee Lutheran; Robbie Angiulli, Wausau East; Jayce Brechtl, Waterford; Anthony Brooks, Cudahy; Mekhi Brown, Monroe; Zavier Castillo, Greendale; Kaleb Colbert, Golda Meir; Bryson Dorris, Martin Luther; Devon Feck, Rhinelander; Brody Graetz, River Falls; Evan Kern, New Berlin West; Colton Mantz, Slinger; Evan Prusko, Brookfield Central; EJ Salettel, Beaver Dam; Griffin Schultz, Union Grove; Jake Sherman, Shorewood; Quincy Shields, Green Bay East; Grant Sulik, Burlington; Logan Taylor, Monroe; Marcus Webb, Whitefish Bay