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)
Thomas Freeman, Belmont
Freeman is a part of a very talented young core at Belmont that will be competitive, not just in the Six Rivers-West, but Division 5. Freeman is a 6-6 big man with light feet and a great touch. He plays basketball well beyond his years and is patient in the way he plays from the post position. Freeman excels with his back to the basket, but really shines with his passing ability out of the paint area. Will Belmont be a true contender this year, or are the Braves a season away?
Blake Henderson, Rib Lake
Henderson will play alongside senior brother Jed and under father Todd on a Rib Lake team that should be very good in 2025-26. As a freshman a season ago, Blake averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The 6-2 forward is well-rounded on the basketball court and his progression into his junior season is a big reason why Rib Lake is one of the teams to beat in Division 5.
Easton Lurvey, Three Lakes
Lurvey is a crafty combo guard out of Three Lakes that averaged 16.8 points per game as a freshman a season ago. He’s patient with the ball in his hands and has put time in, in the weight room allowing him to gain leverage and create opportunities around the rim. Lurvey knocked down 67 triples a season ago as well. It’s apparent Lurvey loves the gym as the 6-2 guard has progressed over the offseason and will take an even bigger jump during his sophomore campaign.
Brayden Smith, Elkhart-Lake Glenbeulah
Smith can light up the scoreboard from beyond the arc up there with anyone in the state. A season ago he knocked down 91 three-point shots at a whopping 45% clip. Both of those numbers near the top not just in Division 5, but the entire state. Smith’s been in the weight room in the offseason which will benefit him as he grows as an overall scorer and adds to his tool kit.
Wyatt Temperly, Belmont
Temperly is a great complement to Freeman at Belmont. Whereas Freeman handles things down low, Temperly is the lead guard that can score at all three levels, but also play well in the pick and roll and off the dribble attack. He’s a constant work that doesn’t take a second off on the court. Temperly’s connection with Freeman is something coaches dream of in a big man/ball handler combination, and with a solid team around him, Temperly has already stepped into a leadership role with a promising Braves team.
Honorable Mentions: Kiptyn Brown, Boscobel; Carson Chrisman, Florence; Boone Havens, Belmont; Braun Jirschele, Hillsboro; Isaac Moreland, Saint Ambrose; Cooper Rosemeyer, Thorp; Landry Sluka, North Crawford; Jaxon Tuchalski, Rio; Sully Reich, Flambeau
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].