• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Return of Demons a wild card; Waterford, Elkhorn coaches’ picks

The “X” factor plays into this year’s Southern Lakes boys basketball preview.

And it goes beyond the “X’s” and “O’s” on any coach’s clipboard or chalkboard.

It’s the return of Burlington High to the Southern Lakes after the last 12 years in the Southeast Conference, which includes some of the state’s largest schools.

“Burlington is the wild card, coming out of a tough conference,’’ Delavan-Darien coach Bob Beighton said in previewing a Southern Lakes race that has its first full round of games scheduled for tonight. “You don’t know what to expect.’’

It’s safe to say, however, that most coaches expect Burlington to be a contender—just as it was for many years as an original and longtime member of the Southern Lakes, which was founded in 1952.

Those thoughts are based on more than past reputation or the fact that the Demons toughened up against big-school competition. There’s also the fact Burlington returns nine letter winners, including three starters, from a team that finished atop the Southeast’s North Division last season.

Coach Steve Berezowitz, son of legendary UW-Whitewater football coach Bob Berezowitz, isn’t so sure, though, that puts his Demons in a contending role this season.

“We’re excited about coming back to this area, and we’re optimistic,’’ he said. “But we’ve got some guys who are a little raw, and we’re uncertain about what we’re up against in being switched to the Southern Lakes.’’

Across the board, though, Southern Lakes coaches have no uncertainty about two things: Waterford’s veteran team clearly has the look of a potential champion, but defending champion Elkhorn remains the team to beat, despite the graduation of four starters from a 20-3 team.

“Elkhorn still is that team—until somebody beats them,’’ Beighton said, “but Waterford is right there. They’re very talented, and they do a good job of pushing the ball up the floor and getting the game into their tempo.’’

Elkhorn coach John Handel agrees on that assessment of Waterford, which handed the Elks their only conference loss last season.

“Waterford and Burlington clearly have more players back than anybody,” he said.

As for the Elks, it’s “a wait-and-see” proposition, Handel said.

“It’s too early to tell,” he said the Elks, who are off to a 2-0 start, including a conference win over Union Grove. “When you’re playing guys who haven’t played before, you never know.’’

But everybody knows the Elks still have the skyscraper—as in 6-11 senior Skyler O’Laughlin. And for Handel, that means one thing.

“The key for us will be how we handle the pressure defenses,’’ he said. “We’ll see a lot that because nobody’s going want to get into a half-court game with us—especially with the big kid in the middle.’’

And it’s a good bet that’s something opposing coaches will have among the “Xs” and “O’s” on their boards.

BADGER

Head coach: Tom Dummer, first year (0-3).

2008-09 record: 12-10, 6-6 in Southern Lakes (tied for third place).

Last conference title: 2007-08 (Lakeshore).

Key losses: Braden Tice (14.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg), All-Southern Lakes first team; Austin Gaugert (9.6 ppg), honorable mention; Henri Lorenzi, Chris Lois, Alex Chironis.

Returning starter: Preston Dailey, 5-9, sr., g (7.6 ppg).

Other letter winners: Justin Bowers, 5-10, sr., g; Laramie Wiesman, 6-4, sr., f; Clinton Andresen, 5-10, sr., g; Nate Meinen, 5-11, sr., f.

Other likely contributors: Trevor York, 6-0, jr., f; Brendan Gruenwald-Schmitz, 5-10, jr., g; Will Swanson, 5-9, jr., g.

Season outlook: With the graduation of Braden Tice and Austin Gaugert, Badger lost two shooters who produced 58 three-point goals in conference play last year. This guard-oriented team still has the ability to strike from long range, however, as shown by Preston Dailey’s six three-point goals in a 34-performance in a 83-68 loss to highly rated Port Washington. With the 6-4 Laramie Wiesman as the only Badger player over 6-1, the key to this team may be how it copes with a lack of size.

BURLINGTON

Head coach: Steve Berezowitz, 15th year (123-189).

2008-09 record: 12-10, 9-7 in Southeast Conference.

Last conference title: 2008-09 (Southeast North Division).

Key losses: Andrew Smith (12 ppg, 7 rpg), Kyle Reich (6 ppg).

Returning starters: Keith Voigt, 6-1, sr., g (11.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg); Gabe Chavarria, 6-3, jr, f (6.5 ppg, 6 prg); Russ Robers, 5-10, jr, g (8.3 ppg).

Other letter winners: Cody Dillon, 5-11, sr.,g; Tell Taylor, 6-1, sr., g; Art Miller, 5-10, sr., g; Nate Brandt, 6-4, sr., g; Marcus Krien, 6-2, sr, f; Dylan Wilcox, 5-9, sr., g.

Other likely contributor: Jaime Bonakowski, 6-6, sr, f.

Season outlook: With its return to the Southern Lakes after 10 years in the Southeast, the Demons are the conference’s “mystery” team. But that works both ways—with Burlington’s coaching staff also not knowing a lot about the Demons’ new Southern Lakes rivals.

However, Southern Lakes coaches know that Burlington has been well-tested against the large schools in the Southeast and brings a lot of experience into the new surroundings. Coach Steve Berezowitz likes his team’s perimeter experience but has concerns about post production and consistent scoring.

DELAVAN-DARIEN

Head coach: Bob Beighton, 13th year (152-112).

2008-09 record: 11-11, 6-6 in Southern Lakes (tied for third place).

Last conference title: 2003-04.

Key losses: Aaron Logterman, All-Southern Lakes second team; Jarrett Fowkes, honorable mention .

Returning starters: Tyler Butke, 6-5, sr., f (All-Southern Lakes first team last season, 15.5 ppg); Josh Cesarz, 6-4, sr. (3.8 ppg); Riley Scott, 6-1, sr., g/f (5-3, ppg).

Other letter winners: Garrett Brickner, 6-4, sr., f; Justin Fowlkes, 5-9, jr, g; Mark Armato, 5-10, jr. g; Brandon Osborne, 6-0, sr., g; Nick Griffin, 6-2, sr., g/f; Andy Kiemen, 5-10, sr., g; Justin Kieffer, 5-11, sr., g; Erik Atwell, 6-0, sr., f.

Other likely contributor: Marcus McLin, 5-9, jr., g.

Season outlook: The Comets quickly rebounded from an opening loss at Janesville Parker with two strong victories and appear to be on the right track. A conference opener against Waterford should give them a good idea where they really stand.

“We’re a team that could be 15-5 or 5-15,” coach Bob Beighton said. “If we stay healthy and play our kind of ball, we have a chance to be pretty good.”

For sure, the Comets should have one of the best inside players in Tyler Butke. Beighton also likes his team’s quickness but says the Comets still need to improve their toughness on the defensive board.

ELKHORN

Head coach: John Handel, 13th year (181-90).

2008-09 record: 20-3, 11-1 in Southern Lakes (first place).

Last conference title: 2008-09.

Key losses: Eric Bryson (15.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.4 apg), Southern Lakes Player of the Year; Max Findreng (13.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg), All-Southern Lakes first team; Jake Gahart (7 ppg), honorable mention.

Returning starter: Skyler O’Laughlin, 6-11, sr., f (10.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg).

Other letter winners: Eduardo Castro, 6-0, sr., g; Alex Suchy, 6-5, sr., f; John Cooper, 6-3, sr., f; Taylor Kielty, 6-1, sr., g.

Other likely contributors: Ryan Bowes, 5-10, jr., g; Brock Poggensee, 5-11, jr., g; Cole Hassler, 6-6, jr, f; Kyle Majewski, 6-1, soph., g.

Season outlook: “Size, tradition and great kids” are the strengths of the Elks, coach John Handel said, as they bid for a repeat conference title after coming within a whisker of the WIAA Division 1 state tournament last season. The Elks lack overall experience, but Skyler O’Laughlin clearly will be the center of attention for every opponent on an almost-certain contender that already is off to 1-0 start in conference play.

UNION GROVE

Head coach: David Pettit, 15th year (110-194).

2008-09 record: 8-13, 4-8 in Southern Lakes (fifth place).

Last conference title: 2006-07 (Lakeshore).

Key losses: Evan Hapner (9.3 ppg, 5 rpg), Ethan Schauf, both starters.

Returning starters: Nathan Radke, 6-1, sr, g (14.1 ppg), All-Southern Lakes second team; Caleb Beachem, 6-8, sr., c (8 ppg); Brennan Johnson, 6-4, jr, f (4.7 ppg).

Other letter winners: Ben Roettgen, 6-1, sr., g; Sam Harry,

6-3, sr., f; Nathan Willkom, 5-11, soph., g; Michael Geise, 5-10, jr., g.

Season outlook: The Broncos expect to be multi-dimensional with size, experience and depth. They also look for strong leadership from Nathan Radke, but they have to do some catching up after losing their conference opener to Elkhorn.

WATERFORD

Head coach: Mickey Mala, seventh year (59-73).

2008-09 record: 14-7, 9-3 in Southern Lakes (second place).

Last conference title: 1995-96 (Southern Lakes East co-champion with Westosha Central).

Key losses: Ben Korman, starter.

Returning starters: Brent Kruschewski, 6-2, sr. (10 ppg, 5 rpg), All-Southern Lakes first team; Beau Steffens, 6-1, sr., (12 ppg, 4 rpg), second team; Brent Plantz, 6-4, jr (10 ppg), honorable mention; Joe Sturino, 6-0,jr. (9 ppg), honorable mention.

Other likely contributors: Jordan Chart, 6-4, sr.; Alex Ciano, 5-9, sr.; Alex Hanson, 6-2, sr.; Zach Tamblyn, 6-3, sr.; Tommy Vaccaro, 5-10, sr.

Season outlook: Despite Elkhorn’s exceptional season, Waterford kept the heat on the Southern Lakes champions most of the way last year and handed the Elks one of their three losses. With four starters returning, all of whom received all-conference recognition, the Wolverines become the conference favorite, sparked by a package of experience, defense and shooting.

WESTOSHA CENTRAL

Head coach: Brent Mansky, fourth year (20-46).

2008-09 record: 3-18, 3-9 in Southern Lakes (tied for sixth place).

Last conference title: 1995-96 (Southern Lakes East co-champion with Waterford).

Key losses: Austin Koeshall (10-3 ppg), All-Southern Lakes honorable mention; starters Joel Zietsma (6.4 ppg) and Joey Lehner.

Returning starters: Dustin Milz, 6-0, sr., g (9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg); Erik Richter, 6-4, sr., f (3.6 ppg,. 3.5 rpg).

Other letter winners: Spencer McCoy, 6-0, sr., g (3.6 ppg); Johnny Wilson, 6-0, sr., f; P.J. Schaum, sr.; Timmy Clark, sr.; Mike Michelau, 5-11, soph.

Other likely contributors: Dalton Sjong, 6-3, soph, f (transfer from Burlington Catholic Central); Tyler Stoxen, 5-11, fr., g.

Season outlook: With two sophomores and a freshman among their top seven players, the Falcons are young, but coach Brent Mansky likes the chances for improvement with Central’s shooting, athleticism and team chemistry.

WILMOT

Head coach: Terry Bruton, third year (8-37).

2008-09 record: 4-17, 3-9 in Southern Lakes (tied for sixth place).

Last conference title: 1993-84 (Southern Lakes East).

Key losses: Andy Jaeger (12 ppg), All-Southern Lakes second team; Justin Dewing (7 ppg), honorable mention; starter Shayne Dorn (8 ppg, 7 prg).

Returning starters: Mitch Marks, 6-5, sr. (5 ppg); Jay Christian (5 ppg), 6-3, jr.

Other likely contributors: Landon Tenhagen, 6-3, sr.; Brendon Hayden, 6-5, jr.; Payten Dull, 6-0, jr.; Grant Dull, 5-6, soph; Chris Nelson, 6-1, soph.

Season outlook: The Panthers may be short on experience, but they have the talent from a 15-5 junior varsity team to spark their hopes for a move up the Southern Lakes standings.