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Week 1 WisSports.net/WBCA Coaches Poll

After eight long months, high school basketball returns to the state of Wisconsin, as we've completed Week 1 of the 2011-12 season. Not all teams have played games yet (many tip off for the first time tonight), but quite a few were able to take advantage of the Thanksgiving weekend by participating in tournaments. As we get ready to kick the season into high gear this week, it's time to unveil the first WisSports.net Coaches Poll of the season.

Division 1

Germantown leads the initial Division 1 rankings, as the Warhawks return a load of talent from last year's team that advanced to the state quarterfinals. Zak Showalter is one of the state's top players, and is joined on the perimeter by point guard Josh Mongan. Promising junior Luke Fischer and senior Dan Studer provide size inside for head coach Steve Showalter. Close behind is defending D1 champion Madison Memorial, who once again features a talented athletic lineup with Junior Lomomba, Jamar Morris, Brendan Ortiz, Jester Weah, and company. Milwaukee Riverside has outstanding guards, versatile wing players, and great size inside, and checks in at #3 to start the year, following by City Conference rival Milwaukee King. Oshkosh North rounds out the Top 15.

Division 2

Onalaska edges Rice Lake for the top spot in the Week 1 Division 2 Coaches Poll. The Hilltoppers feature one of the state's top inside-outside duos with junior guard Matt Thomas and senior forward Nick Arenz, who is coming off a knee injury that sidelined him the last two months of the season last year. Rice Lake features not one, not two, but three Ellenson brothers on the roster, headlined by senior Minnesota recruit Wally, who has added increased range to his outstanding athletic and slashing ability. Whitnall, behind senior Stephen Pelkoefer, is #3, followed by Waunakee and Madison Edgewood.

Division 3

East Troy is the unanimous #1 pick in the Division 3 Coaches Poll, as the Trojans return all five starters from last year's team that went 22-2, losing in overtime to Racine St. Catherine's in the regional finals. They've got size, skill, and scoring ability in droves. Defending champion Aquinas welcomes back All-State guard Bronson Koenig, a Wisconsin commit, but got some bad news in the off-season when promising junior forward Mike Conway suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for the season. Nonetheless the Blugolds and head coach Rick Schneider are a formidable group. Little Chute, Racine St. Catherine's, and Brillion round out the top five.

Division 4

Dominican is the prohibitive favorite in Division 4 this year after dropping down from D3 last season. The Knights are loaded at guard with junior Duane Wilson, who has offers from Marquette amongst others, and Division I prospect Jamall Taylor, and feature perhaps the state's best freshman in 6-9 post player Diamond Stone. Perennial power Cuba City comes in second, as three starters, including rugged forward Corey Vaassen, return for legendary coach Jerry Petitgoue. Auburndale, Laconia, and Blair-Taylor round out the top five.

Division 5

Another year, another Randolph team at the top of the Division 5 rankings. The two-time defending champs (including the inaugural D5 title last season) loses Tyler Tillema at the lead guard spot, but are strong up front with 6-8 senior Cody Reuter and 6-4 junior Aaron Retzlaff. Racine Lutheran is one of the state's top defensive teams and come in at #2. Clayton is looking for a third straight state tournament appearance, and while the Bears are without All-State guard Tyler Ketz, they did add talented Clear Lake transfer Austin Donahue.

Week 1 Coaches Poll


The WSN/WBCA Coaches Poll is published every Tuesday afternoon on WisSports.net.

Coaches, if you do not have access to vote or need a reminder on your login information, please use the Contact Us option here and be sure to include your name, email address, school, and sport you coach when making your request.