Arrowhead is the clear favorite after sharing the title with Muskego last season.
2025-26 Classic Eight Conference Preview Predicted Order of Finish1)
Arrowhead (Hartland) 2)
Mukwonago3)
Muskego4)
Kettle Moraine (Wales) 5)
Catholic Memorial (Waukesha) 6)
Oak Creek7)
Oconomowoc8)
Waukesha WestPlayers to Watch
Kelly Boinski, Catholic Memorial – Boinski earned second-team all-Classic Eight as a junior, tallying 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Rachael Chilicki, Mukwonago – Chilicki was voted first-team all-conference as a junior. The NCAA Division I Mount St. Mary's recruit averaged 16.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Lilly Czeshinski, Mukwonago – As a junior, Czeshinski was chosen second-team all-conference, posting 8.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
Taylor Gifford, Waukesha West – Gifford received second-team all-league as a junior. The NCAA Division II Northern Michigan commit averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest.
Libby Gilmore, Arrowhead – Gilmore is back after missing her junior year recovering from an ACL injury. As a sophomore, she contributed 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Mallory Glysch, Muskego – Glysch collected 8.7 points per game as a junior for the Warriors.
Karina Klemz, Arrowhead – Klemz tallied 9.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore for the Warhawks.
Natalie Kussow, Arrowhead – Kussow was named Classic Eight Player of the Year and WBCA all-state as a junior. The University of Minnesota recruit averaged 26.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.7 steals per game. Natalie also connected on 67 triples.
Quinn Lodes, Kettle Moraine – As a freshman, Lodes tallied 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per contest for the Lasers. Quinn also made 52 three-pointers.
Presly Samz, Arrowhead – Samz was voted first-team all-Classic Eight as a junior. The NCAA Division I Lipscomb University recruit averaged 7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
Sami Sarner, Catholic Memorial – As a junior, Sarner was named second-team all-Classic Eight, averaging 8.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
Joscelyn Tewes, Oconomowoc – Tewes took home second-team all-league as a junior, averaging 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Sidney Zehner, Arrowhead – Zehner was named first-team all-Classic Eight and honorable mention WBCA all-state as a sophomore. She tallied 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest.
Team Capsules Arrowhead (Hartland) Coach: Ron Reichle, 10th year (146-72)
2024-25 Record: 25-4, lost to Muskego in D1 state semis
2024-25 Conference Finish: Classic Eight co-champion (12-2)
Returning Starters: Natalie Kussow (6-0, sr., 26.3 PPG, 67 3PM, 9.7 RPG, 3 APG, 3.7 SPG), Presly Samz (5-7, sr., 7.3 PPG, 5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.2 SPG), Sidney Zehner (5-9, jr., 11.2 PPG, 4 APG, 1.9 SPG), Karina Klemz (5-11, jr., 9.1 PPG, 43 3PM, 5.2 RPG), Libby Gilmore (5-10, sr., missed last season with an ACL injury; 8.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG as a sophomore)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Elly Petersen (6-0, jr.), MacKennah Haase (5-10, sr.), Avery Daun (5-4, sr.), Allison Heimsch (5-3, sr.)
Newcomers: Sami Wall (5-9, jr.), Emily Muresan (6-0, sr.), Evelyn Grieve-Waite (5-8, jr.)
Team Notes: The Warhawks have reached the WIAA state tournament in each of the past two seasons, winning the Division 1 state title in 2024 and reaching state semis last season. They returned five players with starting experience, headlined by Minnesota recruit Natalie Kussow, one of the top seniors in the nation. Coach Reichle told MaxPreps that athleticism and experience are strengths, while rebuilding is a weakness.
Catholic Memorial (Waukesha) Coach: Bob Wellenstein, 2nd year
2024-25 Record: 22-6, lost to D3 state champion Oostburg in a sectional final
2024-25 Conference Finish: 3rd, 10-4
Returning Starters: Kelly Boinski (5-9, sr., 13.8 PPG, 36 3PM, 2.2 APG), Sami Sarner (5-9, sr., 8.7 PPG, 45 3PM, 6.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 2.3 SPG), Ellen Mowbray (5-7, sr.)
Other Notable Returnees: Sloan Haase (5-7, soph.), Maggie Lemke (5-10, jr.), Sophia Sommerfield (5-4, sr.), Sunny Murray (5-4, sr.), Annabelle Jones (5-7, jr.)
Newcomers: Kate Boinski (5-6, fr.), Aldyn Visner (5-9, soph.), Vania Medrano (5-8, soph.), Ashlyn Hunt (5-10, soph.)
Team Notes: The Crusaders moved up to Division 2 for the WIAA playoffs this season. They returned three starters from last year's squad, which finished one win away from the D3 state tournament.
Kettle Moraine (Wales) Coach: Adam Stranc, 3rd year (33-21); 9th overall (111-89)
2024-25 Record: 16-11, lost to Waunakee in D1 sectionals
2024-25 Conference Finish: T4th, 6-8
Returning Starters: Quinn Lodes (5-6, soph., 12 PPG, 52 3PM, 4.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG), Lauren Kowalski (5-7, sr., 1.9 SPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Madyn Wankowski (5-8, sr.), Mollie Montalbano (5-6, soph.), Leila Torres (5-7, sr.), Joyce Duris (5-6, soph.), Alexa Darin (5-7, soph., 4.9 PPG; out for season with knee injury), Gina Mbunte (5-11, soph., out indefinitely with knee injury), Amelia Lephardt (5-7, jr., out indefinitely with injury)
Newcomers: Edynn Lauters (5-5, soph.), Anniston Ricks (5-4, soph.), Carlina Cuda (5-7, soph.), Tenley Neal (5-5, fr.), Violet Schultz (5-7, fr.)
Team Notes: The Lasers returned several contributors from last season, including two starters. Coach Stranc told MaxPreps their strengths are speed and depth at the guard spot, while rebounding and size are weaknesses.
MukwonagoCoach: Rick Witte, 4th year, 16th overall (229-107)
2024-25 Record: 13-12
2024-25 Conference Finish: T6th, 5-9
Returning Starters: Rachael Chilicki (6-3, sr., 16.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG), Lilly Czeshinski (5-7, sr., 8.3 PPG, 43 3PM, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG), Taylor Hingiss (5-9, sr., 6.3 PPG, 2 APG, 2.2 SPG), Lucy Sarna (6-2, sr., 4.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG)
Other Notable Returnees: Peyton Cochenet (6-2, soph., 8.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG), Ella Maltby (5-7, soph., 6.6 PPG, 2.1 SPG), Mia Bogan (5-9, soph.), Aubrey Schuett (5-6, jr.), Jena Wamser (5-8, jr.), Elise Burr (5-6, sr.)
Newcomers: Libby Gnewuch (5-5, soph.), Gracie Rohde (5-7, soph.)
Team Notes: The Indians welcomed back four starters, led by NCAA Division I Mount St. Mary's commit Rachael Chilicki.
MuskegoCoach: Erik Loose, 4th year (60-24); 8th overall (83-93)
2024-25 Record: 25-5, D1 state runner-up, lost to Kimberly in title game
2024-25 Conference Finish: Classic Eight co-champion (12-2)
Returning Starters: Mallory Glysch (5-9, sr., 8.7 PPG, 45 3PM)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Bree Scafe (5-5, sr.), Riley Hill (5-8, sr.), Tatum Meinen (5-11, jr.), Josie Kandziora (5-4, jr.), Molly Makinen (5-6, jr.), Anna Curatola (5-5, sr.), Ashlyn Antholine (5-7, sr.), Samantha Brunner (5-7, jr.), Anika Noel (5-9, sr.)
Team Notes: The Warriors have a revamped roster after graduating four starters from last year's squad, which finished as the WIAA Division 1 state runner-up in the program's first trip to the state tournament. Coach Loose told MaxPreps that their strengths include defensive identity, big-game experience, depth, and versatility.
Oak CreekCoach: Steve Hluchnik, 16th year (319-93); 29th overall (442-231)
2024-25 Record: 17-10, lost to D1 state runner-up Muskego in sectionals
2024-25 Conference Finish: Southeast co-champion (13-1)
Returning Starters: Amelia Fuhrman (5-10, sr., 4.7 PPG), Jordyn Murphy (5-6, sr., 4 PPG, 3.6 APG)
Other Notable returnees: Alyssa Rivera (5-8, sr., 5.7 PPG), Jenna Kuehn (6-3, sr., 5.7 PPG), Sophia Peetz (5-7, jr.), Alyssa Wadzinski (5-6, sr.)
Newcomers: Eluisa Hedri (5-5, fr.), Sophija Paldrmic (5-9, fr.), Lexi Rigden (soph.), Marli Frank (soph.), Amelia McKilip (soph.)
Team Notes: Oak Creek joins the Classic Eight from the Southeast, where they dominated for more than a decade, including a 135-game conference winning streak. Coach Hluchnik, a WBCA Hall of Famer, returned two players who saw action in the starting five last season.
OconomowocCoach: Kim Mueske, 4th year
2024-25 Record: 14-12
2024-25 Conference Finish: T4th, 6-8
Returning Starters: Joscelyn Tewes (5-9, sr., 13.9 PPG, 39 3PM, 2.1 APG), Maria Jorgensen (5-6, sr., 11.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.9 SPG), Amelia van der Kooy (5-9, jr., 10.8 PPG, 33 3PM, 1.9 APG), Maddex Hansen (5-11, jr., 5.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Ari Strick (5-9, jr., 6.2 PPG), Larkyn Mueske (5-7, soph.), Laci Griswold (5-4, sr.), Gracie Bolskar (5-4, sr.)
Newcomers: Eastyn Mau (5-8, fr.), Tatum Cornell (5-3, fr.), Bella Conigliaro (5-3, fr.), Elly Mitchell (5-8, soph.)
Team Notes: Coach Mueske told MaxPreps that they return most of their offense and scorers. "We are working on building our depth with some young additions to the team."
Waukesha WestCoach: Paul Darling, 2nd year; 24th overall (304-233)
2024-25 Record: 13-14, lost to West De Pere in a D2 sectional final
2024-25 Conference Finish: T6th, 5-9
Returning Starters: Taylor Gifford (5-10, sr., 12.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.1 APG), Payton Heisel (5-8, sr., 8.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2 APG, 1.5 SPG), Ava Spratt (5-7, jr., 7.9 PPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Malaya Dodge (5-8, sr.), Emma Bichler (5-5, sr.), Julia Wiese (5-9, jr.), Morgan McKay (5-6, jr.)
Newcomers: Clare Tutkowski (5-7, fr.), Ireland Darling (5-7, fr.), Keelan Thomsen (5-6, fr.), Rachel Breska (5-8, fr.), Alana Frea (5-9, soph.), Ava Matancsi (5-9, soph.)
Team Notes: Coach Darling told MaxPreps that they have strong returners and should have a little more depth than last season.
