The WIAA spring season is coming to close with the final week of regular season play starting later on today. Playoffs begin for Divisions 2, 3 & 4 on Thursday, May 23. Our Prep Baseball Wisconsin staff has created another update to the Power 25 rankings, including movement throughout the entirety of the list after witnessing another week of action.

+ VIEW THE FULL PREP BASEBALL WISCONSIN POWER 25 HERE

AT THE TOP

+ No. 1 Sun Prairie East (21-2): The Cardinals remain at the top of the Power 25 despite facing some adversity in the past week, dropping their first two games of the season to Middleton (2-1) and Waunakee (6-4). Sun Prairie East bounced back with a nice 13-6 victory over the Cardinals in their home matchup—erupting for 12 unanswered runs in the ballgame. OF Sam Ostrenga (2024; North Dakota State (football)) continued to enjoy a strong season at the plate, driving in six runners from the leadoff spot in their lone win of the week. INF Isaac Wendler (2024) excelled with three hits and three RBIs for the Cardinals—providing another spark in this deep lineup. While they did run into a bit of trouble in both of their losses, Sun Prairie East remained close in each game—allowing them to hold the No. 1 spot in the rankings. The pitching staff, led by the likes of RHP’s Drew Kavanaugh (2024; Wisconsin-Eau Claire (football)) and Brady Stelzer (2026), remains strong for the Cardinals as they enter the final week of the regular season. Things get interesting this week, as they will face-off against a hot Verona team twice for the Big Eight Conference crown.

+ No. 2 De Pere (19-3): The Redbirds were tasked with battling two of the top teams in the state between Manitowoc Lincoln and Stevens Point this past week—emerging undefeated from the three matchups. RHP’s Easton Arendt (2024; Winona State University commit) and Landon Raygo (2024; Bryant & Stratton - Wisconsin) combined to shutout the Ships in their matchup on Monday—winning 5-0 against a top-10 team in the state. The production did not fall off in their team effort against the Panthers as well, where De Pere handed SPASH their first two losses of the season. Raygo once again hopped on the mound and got the job done in their game one victory—receiving a pair of RBIs from both INF Devin Weber (2024) and 1B Milo Upton (2024; Concordia University (WI)). Game two proved to be a little tighter, but RHP Lucas Koskey (2025) and Arendt secured the doubleheader sweep for De Pere to cap off their week. Now sitting at 19-3, the Redbirds shot up to No. 2 in our rankings update after accumulating some of the best wins of the week.

RISERS IN THE TOP-20

+ No. 4 Hartford Union (21-2): The Orioles enjoyed another strong week of play, elevating themselves to No. 4 in our newest update after taking down three conference opponents and a non-conference foe in Oconomowoc to sweep the week. Hartford Union notched a North Shore Conference championship during this past week—finishing an impressive 17-1 in conference play. RHP’s Carter Kutz (2025; Nebraska) and Braycen Burg (2024; Madison JC) once again turned in successful starts for the Orioles—including a combined 17 strikeouts in 10.1 innings of work. RHP/C Brandon Pohl (2024), while manning the plate for most of the week, got a win over Cedarburg on Monday, tossing five scoreless innings while only allowing one hit in a 7-1 victory. The bats seem to be gaining some momentum for Hartford Union down the stretch, as they scored over seven runs in all four of their games. OF RJ Thomae (2024; Valparaiso), OF Kaiden Romens (2026), INF Aidan Kolb (2026) and others have continued to step up for the Orioles—providing them with an impressive 21-2 record entering the final week of the regular season.

+ No. 6 Kimberly (19-3): After hitting a rough patch two weeks ago, the Papermakers bounced back in a big way with four quality wins to rise to No. 6 in our newest update. OF/RHP Sawyer Deering (2025; Tennessee) was a large part of that success, as his role in the leadoff spot has taken off as the season has evolved. The junior provided three home runs over the course of their four games—including two big ones against now No. 5 ranked Oak Creek in a 12-9 win. C Brady Coons (2024; Concordia University (WI)) had a positive presence from the middle of the order for the Papermakers—driving in a pair of runs in their extra-inning victory over the Knights, which proved to be the game-winners. The catcher also hit a home run earlier in the week in a 6-1 over Oshkosh West. LHP/1B Brady Koester (2024; Notre Dame) struck out 12 batters to get the win in that game versus the Wildcats, while also producing at the plate. Role players have stepped up for Kimberly, especially on the mound as of late. They wrap up their season this week with a couple of competitive matchups—including a battle with Hortonville on Thursday.

It’s Deering again, as the junior launches his second bomb of the day to extend the Papermakers’ lead.

Currently leads Kimberly in multiple offensive categories on the year, including hits, home runs and OPS.

In the sixth: @thekimberlybase 7️⃣ | Oak Creek 3️⃣ https://t.co/brjOPLllI8 pic.twitter.com/76cAZgk5Ag

— Prep Baseball Wisconsin (@PrepBaseballWI) May 18, 2024

+ No. 8 Union Grove (19-4): Not many in the state can really match the success the Broncos have enjoyed for the past month now, as they are currently on a 17-game winning streak entering the final week of play—continuing to rise in our most recent update. Union Grove got a nice win over Oconomowoc in a non-conference matchup on Wednesday, as LHP Robert Barrera (2024; Illinois-Chicago) excelled, striking out six over 5.1 innings of work to get the win. OF Braxton Hinds (2024; Bryant & Stratton - Wisconsin) has been productive from the leadoff spot, scoring twice in that game with a pair of RBIs to go with it. RHP Landon Dessart (2024; Madison JC) put together a complete game shutout in a win over Beloit Memorial, working around three hits and a walk while striking out seven across seven frames. OF/RHP Marshall Loch (2024; Southern Indiana) was a key producer from the middle of the lineup—driving in two runs in that win over the Purple Knights. After a sluggish start to the year, the Broncos seem to be firing on all cylinders entering postseason play.

+ No. 9 Menomonee Falls (20-4): Another regular season has nearly passed, and the Phoenix wrapped up a conference title in the Greater Metro—dominating from start to finish. They rose into the top-10 this week after completing their slate with a 4-0 record. RHP’s Jayden Forbes (2025) and Cail Geiger (2026) have been the star arms for Menomonee Falls—elevating their level of play on the varsity stage to allow the Phoenix to get out to 20 wins. Each prospect tallied seven strikeouts in their outings this week, both against conference opponents in West Allis Hale and Brookfield East. Led by the likes of C Wilson Kershner (2024), SS Henry Lynde (2025) and OF Jordan Hedrick (2024), the offense has continued to produce at a high rate for Menomonee Falls to take leads and maintain them throughout the entirety of the week. They received the No. 2 seed in arguably the toughest sectional in Division 1, as they will await the winner of Sussex Hamilton and the aforementioned Brookfield East Spartans next week.

+ No. 12 Wisconsin Lutheran (17-5): The Vikings wrapped up a conference championship in the Woodland West after a huge sweep of New Berlin Eisenhower, taking down the Lions twice with the help of stellar pitching outings turned in by RHP Jake Ross (2024; Bryant & Stratton - Wisconsin) and RHP/SS Eddie Rynders (2024; Kent State) They combined to walk zero batters in 15 innings of work, both twirling complete games. C Andrew Belott (2026) came up clutch with an RBI in that second game against New Berlin Eisenhower, as surrounding pieces such as himself and OF Carter Fry (2027) have stepped up when its counted for the Vikings. They split a doubleheader between Lakeside Lutheran and Kettle Moraine Lutheran on Saturday, as they ran into a hot Chargers team who made a large jump in our update. Regardless, Wisconsin Lutheran poses a dangerous threat in their sectional with the two arms mentioned previously, as they will face the winner of Marquette University and Shorewood/Brown Deer in the Regional Championship with a trip to Sectionals on the line as the No. 1 seed.

+ No. 13 Mosinee (20-3): The Indians quietly put together another strong week to wrap up the Great Northern Conference championship—improving to 20-3 after two wins over Antigo. RHP/INF Keagen Jirschele (2024; South Dakota State) continues to be the heartbeat of both the lineup and the pitching staff, as he did it all for Mosinee in a 12-2 victory on Friday. Jirschele first struck out eight batters in five innings against the conference foe—working efficiently in the process. He then proceeded to hit two home runs and a triple from the leadoff spot to power the offense. The senior received help from a large portion of the team—including a home run from C Gavin Obremski (2024; Rock Valley JC) in a dominant 19-2 win. OF Taylor Lemanski (2024; Wisconsin-La Crosse) and INF/C Cameron Ziebell (2024; Wisconsin-Stout) are a couple of mainstays toward the top of the lineup who have excelled as well. Mosinee notched a No. 1 seed in their regional—emerging as one of the favorites to win it all in the Division 2 field.

+ No. 16 Monona Grove (18-7): After dropping a game early two weeks ago, the Silver Eagles have now rattled off seven straight wins to elevate back to No. 16 in our newest update—going 5-0 on the week. RHP/CIF Eli Bauler (2027) had one of the biggest hits of the week for Monona Grove—singling to drive in a run and walk it off against DeForest in their second matchup in as many days. The Silver Eagles capped off a three-run seventh inning with that hit to defeat the Norskies. RHP Calvin Moreau (2026), while producing at the plate, put together another quality start on Saturday, this time taking down a previously ranked Madison Memorial team. Moreau struck out six batters in six innings, allowing zero walks in the process. C Terek Verhage (2025; St. Thomas - MN) has been a staple at the top of the order all year, and finished with two hits and two RBIs in the win over the Spartans. INF Kaden Connor (2025; Xavier) and OF Nicholas Guidici (2024; Parkland JC) were both key at the plate as well—clutching up when it was needed for the Silver Eagles.

+ No. 17 Kettle Moraine Lutheran (21-3): The Chargers have enjoyed a hot stretch of play as the regular season winds down—earning five wins this week to jump eight spots to No. 17. RHP Reed Ratay (2024) twirled two complete game shutouts over the course of the week, with a big one coming against Fox Valley Lutheran in a 1-0 finish. RHP’s Landon Hagenow (2024) and Brett Biondich (2026; Texas Christian) combined to hold down a strong Waupun team on Wednesday, as Kettle Moraine Lutheran won 4-3 in extra innings to secure their fourth straight conference championship. As they did so, INF Adam Zylka (2025) had a pair of base hits—including the game-winning one against their rivals. The Chargers took down Wisconsin Lutheran in the latter half of their doubleheader on Saturday—entering the final week of the regular season on a lengthy winning streak. As the No. 2 seed in their regional, they will play next Tuesday against the winner of Grafton and Port Washington.

🚨WALK-OFF🚨

KML storms back after falling behind in extras, getting clutch RBI base hits from INF Jackson Kobylarczyk (2025) and MIF Adam Zylka (2025) to secure a conference championship and head coach Darrell Washburn’s 300th career win.

FINAL/8: No. 25 KML 4️⃣ | Waupun 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/yeFy7mxbnN

— Prep Baseball Wisconsin (@PrepBaseballWI) May 16, 2024

WELCOME…

+ No. 19 Verona Area (18-4): The Wildcats are in the running for a share of the Big Eight Conference championship in the last week of the regular season—dominating their competition to earn themselves a spot on the Power 25 rankings. RHP Jack DeTienne (2024; Xavier), one of the top arms in the state, struck out seven batters in two innings in a run-rule victory over Madison La Follette, as Verona Area used four arms to combine for a no-hitter. 1B Owen Davis (2024; Edgewood College) and OF Garrison Codde (2024) have paced the offense for the Wildcats, who have scored in bunches to extend their winning streak to five games. C Nate Novinska (2024; Madison JC) has led the way behind the dish—emerging as one of the top bats for Verona Area in the process. The Wildcats are tasked with facing Sun Prairie East twice this week, as they will await their seed in the next couple of days for the playoff stretch.

+ No. 22 La Crosse Aquinas (18-4): After just falling short in the Division 3 state championship last season, the Blugolds have put together a strong 2024 campaign and make a return to the Power 25 rankings—welcoming in an 18-4 record as the first Division 3 team to crack the top-25 this year. La Crosse Aquinas has returned numerous pieces from that state team, along with a couple of exciting underclassmen. It starts with the production from both SS Eddie Peters (2024; Xavier) and RHP/OF Tanner Peterson (2024; Winona State University), who each have not missed a beat this season for the Blugolds. RHP’s Aedan David (2026) and Waylon Hargrove (2026) have paced the pitching staff, as the unit allowed an impressive zero runs in five games this week. Hargrove twirled a no-hitter against a strong Pacelli team, while David threw a one-hitter to start the week versus Viroqua. INF Jonny Deets (2027), after a quality summer on the tournament circuit, has been comfortable in the lineup for La Crosse Aquinas—producing at a consistent clip while playing solid defense on the infield. With the No. 1 seed in their sectional, the Blugolds are primed to run it back to Appleton in 2024.

+ No. 23 Hudson (16-7): With the help of a 4-0 week, the Raiders have emerged in first place in the Big Rivers Conference, along with making an appearance back on the Power 25 after being left off for a week. Strong outings were turned in by LHP’s Bradyn Bezanson (2024; Maryville University) and Aaron Schwechler (2024; Wisconsin-La Crosse) in a pair of conference wins over Rice Lake this past week. Hudson then swept a doubleheader against Marshfield—including a major comeback in the final two innings versus the Tigers, where the Raiders scored six unanswered runs. SS Landon Zeuli (2024; Winona State University) and C Hunter Carlson (2024; Wichita State) each had strong weeks for Hudson to slot them in at No. 23 in this update. Bezanson had the game-winning play in the eighth inning of their 11-10 victory—hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly to seal the game for the Raiders. They take on a tough Eau Claire North team twice this week before entering the playoff stretch.

Hunter Carlson [5/11/24]

IN THE HUNT

Each of these teams remain on the bubble for the time being in the Week 8 update, but all have the star power and resumes to make a run at a championship in the next couple of weeks.

+ New Berlin Eisenhower (15-10): The Lions have been dealt one of the toughest schedules in the WIAA this season, but have performed well and competitively, mostly against Division 1 foes. LHP Austin Drayna (2024; Wisconsin-Parkside) and RHP Sam Hirthe (2025) have emerged as the top arms for this group—presenting quality arsenals. INF/RHP Caleb Johns (2026), amongst a plethora of underclassmen, has really excelled as a staple in the top of their order. New Berlin Eisenhower has the No. 2 seed in their regional, and possesses the talent and skills to make a run to sectionals and possibly the state tournament in the Division 2 field.

+ Bay Port (12-8): After a slow start to the season, the Pirates seemed to have found their rhythm, with a lot of the credit going to their pitching staff. As of today, Bay Port has tossed five shutouts in their last six games, winning all six. LHP Ethan Plog (2024; Iowa Western CC) and RHP Craig Kabat (2024; Gonzaga) have been excellent on the mound for the Pirates, both dominating their starts on a consistent basis. It proves to be dangerous if Bay Port can sneak into Sectionals, where their two arms can come out and beat anyone in the state. INF Carter Kallies (2024; Wisconsin-La Crosse), C Cal Casper (2024; Winona State University) and others have done the job on offense to secure these wins, as the Pirates remain a threat in the 2024 season.

+ Kenosha Tremper (19-4): The Trojans have quietly put together a strong season after getting out of the gates slowly, as they currently boast a 14-game winning streak entering the final week of play. Kenosha Tremper has received quality production on the mound from their top two arms in RHP’s Ethan Bauerschmidt (2025; Penn State) and Rory Dutton (2024; Bryant & Stratton - Wisconsin). With the help of a couple of key contributors on the offensive end, the Trojans sit in second place in the Southeast Conference as of today. They take on Oak Creek three times this upcoming week, as they will look to their top arms and bats to step up to try and dethrone the Knights from the top of the conference.

DROPPED OUT

+ Appleton North (14-5)
+ Madison Memorial (15-7)
+ New Berlin Eisenhower (15-10):

BUBBLE TEAMS (ALPHABETICAL)

+ Appleton North (14-5)
+ Bangor (16-0)
+ Hayward (18-3)
+ Holmen (16-5)
+ Ithaca (19-1)
+ Janesville Craig (16-6)
+ Jefferson (20-5)
+ Kenosha Indian Trail (16-7)
+ Kiel (18-4)
+ Lake Country Lutheran (22-2)
+ Little Chute (17-2)
+ Medford (21-2)

WIAA ROUNDUP: EPISODE 7

Maddox Durst and David Go sat down to discuss some of the action they saw this past week, along with providing insight into some of the key matchups coming up in the playoff stretch with Division 2, 3 and 4 games getting underway starting on Thursday. Watch the full episode with the YouTube link provided, below

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