Every week, we're going to update an article with the top highlights, scoring outputs, record breaking performances, and more in boys basketball.
Below are some of the top moments, statistical nights, and more from this past week in boys basketball.
Don't forget to send those big performance into Colton Wilson via email, text, or DM/tag me on X (Twitter). Also, all data is pulled from the Bound Wisconsin scoreboards, so coaches, if you want your athletes highlighted, please get us that information!
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November 25 - Opening Night
Aiden Crane, Parkview
Crane was exceptional, especially in the second half has he poured in 37 points in Parkview’s opening night loss to Pecatonica. He came into his senior season having scored 1,324 career points.
Aiden Keleher, Southwestern
Keleher came into the season needing 23 points to hit 1,000 in his prep career. Not wasting any time, the senior wing scored exactly 23 in the Wildcat’s 94-59 opening night win over Argyle.
Brennen Hackbarth, Sheboygan Lutheran
Hackbarth was exceptional as his big night was much needed in the Crusaders’ 80-73 victory over Cedar Grove-Belgium. The senior wing had 29 points and 15 rebounds to lead Sheboygan Lutheran to victory.
Cameron Jones, Racine Horlick
Jones came out of the games on fire as Horlick notched a 99-57 win over Tenor/Veritas. The senior guard scored 36 points on 12 of 16 shooting for the Rebels.
Evan Ploeckelman, Mukwonago
Ploeckelman did all he could for Mukwonago despite a 92-79 loss to Waukesha North. The junior big man finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
Jack Tarrell, Highland
Tarrell was a perfect 10 of 10 from the free throw line in Highland’s 55-53 win over Riverdale. None were more important than the two he hit with three seconds left to win the game. Tarrell finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds for the Cardinals.
Jake Broeske, Lomira
Broeske is back after suffering a season ending injury weeks into his junior campaign a season ago. In his first game back with the fourth-ranked Lions, Broeska finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in an 81-63 win over Horicon.
Jalen Brown, Wauwatosa West
Tosa West is the favorite to repeat in Division 2 this season as the Trojans are loaded with talent. Brown wasted no time in making a statement in an 85-66 win over Waukesha South. The highly touted junior tallied 27 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals.
Michael Merlo, Random Lake
Merlo had a break out game in his first varsity game on Tuesday night. The freshman tallied 36 points though the Rams fell to New Holstein 89-62.
Ryan Brodzik, Palmyra-Eagle
Brodzik had one of the best moments of the opening week of games. Tied at 55 with the ball, he buried a fadeaway three at the buzzer to give his Panthers an opening night victory over Catholic Central. Brodzik finished with 12 points.
Sam Fait, Catholic Central
Fait was not on the winning side of that game-winner mentioned above, but the junior wing carried his team nonetheless. Fait finished with a game high 38 points and 15 rebounds.
Others of Note
Cade DeLarwelle, Denmark - 32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists in 71-56 win over Southern Door
Derek Williams, Waukesha North - 27 points and 9 rebounds in 92-79 win over Mukwonago
Devin Ihm, Ithaca - 25 points and 17 rebounds in 49-44 loss to Royall
Jonah Knowles, Boscobel - 15 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks in 71-49 win over Shullsburg
Kayden Schultz, Plymouth - 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals in 77-64 win over Manitowoc Lincoln
Kellen Donnelly, Somerset - 32 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists in 87-64 win over Barron
Lucas Mongiat, Lena - 24 points in freshman varsity debut win over Bowler
Owen Birschbach, New Holstein - 24 points and 12 rebounds in 89-62 win over Random Lake
Owen Hahm, Shoreland Lutheran - 18 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists in 89-74 win over Living Word Lutheran
Zare Gwinn, Racine Park - 18 points and 10 rebounds in 63-56 win over Waterford
November 26
Amare Hereford, Beloit Memorial
Hereford was electric as usual as Beloit Memorial dominated in a 113-32 win over Milwaukee Pulaski co-op. One of the top uncommitted seniors in the state, Hereford finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Purgolders.
TJ Platz, Brookfield East
Platz and Brookfield East got an impressive opening week win over Neenah on Wednesday night. The senior guard finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the 70-46 victory.
Zavier Zens, Wisconsin Lutheran
Zens wasted no time in balling out as Wisconsin Lutheran traveled to Illinois and took down an exceptionally talented Pike team 68-65. The Northern Iowa recruit finished with 33 points to lead the way for the Vikings.
Others of Note
Kager Knueppel, Wisconsin Lutheran - 22 points and 11 rebounds
Max McMullen, Brookfield East - 14 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in debut game as a freshman
November 28
Andrew Hoeser, Neillsville
Neillsville captured an impressive win over Assumption at the Royals’ hosted Cranberry Classic on Friday. The senior forward finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the victory.
Drew Lenz, Winneconne
Lenz had a great freshman debut though Winneconne did fall to Appleton North 101-82. He poured in 23 points for the Wolves in game one.
Ryan Low, Lake Country Classical
LCL may have fallen to Golda Meir 80-57 at the East Troy Tournament, but Low had a great second game. He finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds for the Sentinels.
Will Sweeney, Appleton North
Sweeney was on the winning side of the shootout between Winneconne and Appleton North. The senior guard had a game high 33 points for the Lightning.
Need more Wisconsin high school basketball content in your life? Listen to our newest podcast Baseline Banter where we’ll preview the week ahead, review the week behind, interview coaches/athletes/media members and more in our state, and talk some of the hot topics. Episodes release every Monday morning.
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].