2025-26 Fox Valley Association Conference Preview Predicted Order of Finish1)
Kimberly2)
Neenah3)
Hortonville4)
Appleton East5)
Appleton North6)
Oshkosh West7)
Oshkosh North8)
Kaukauna 9)
Fond du Lac
Players to Watch Awut Alic, Oshkosh North – As a sophomore, Alic was named first-team all-FVA and honorable mention WBCA all-state. She was also selected to the FVA all-defensive team. Alic averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest. Alic holds Division I offers.
Ellie Buss, Neenah – Buss tallied 13.7 points per game, and her 91 three-pointers made were tied for third in the state last season. The Division II Maryville University commit earned second-team all-league and honorable mention WBCA all-state laurels.
Haylie Dulas, Kimberly – Dulas helped Kimberly claim the Division 1 state championship. She averaged 10.5 points per game and earned honorable mention WBCA all-state and second-team all-league. Dulas has several Division I offers.
Kennedy Ebben, Kimberly – Ebben was named second-team all-FVA and selected to the league's all-defensive team. She contributed 5.3 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for the Papermakers as a sophomore.
Celia Gentile, Neenah – Gentile was named to the conference's all-defensive team as a sophomore. She tallied 6.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per contest for the Rockets.
Rowan Klesmit, Neenah – As a junior, Klesmit averaged 22.7 points per game and was fifth in the state with 89 three-pointers made. The NCAA Division I Wright State commit was named WBCA all-state and first-team all-FVA.
Tay Maass, Appleton North – Maass earned second-team all-FVA as a junior, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for the Lightning.
Julieyn Martin, Hortonville – Martin will take on a larger role after averaging 9.0 points and 2.0 steals per game as a junior for the Polar Bears. Julieyn is committed to NAIA Viterbo University.
Emilia MontMarquette, Appleton East – As a freshman, MontMarquette contributed 6.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the Patriots.
Kardyn Peppler, Hortonville – As a sophomore, Peppler tallied 14.9 points per contest on her way to being selected honorable mention WBCA all-state and second-team all-FVA. Kardyn is committed to NCAA Division I UW-Green Bay.
Ella Sweeney, Appleton East – Sweeney played a key role in Appleton East reaching the Division 1 state tournament as a sophomore. She averaged 13.8 points per game and received honorable mention WBCA all-state and first-team all-conference. Ella holds Division I offers.
Ava Van Vonderen, Kimberly – Van Vonderen helped lead the Papermakers to the 2025 WIAA Division 1 state championship. She averaged 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game on her way to being named WBCA all-state and first-team all-FVA as a sophomore. Van Vonderen holds several Division I offers.
Emily Urban, Kimberly – As a junior, Urban tallied 5.3 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the Papermakers.
Avery Werfal, Appleton North – Werfal was chosen as a second-team all-league performer as a sophomore. She averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. Avery also connected on 60 three-pointers.
Team Capsules
Appleton EastCoach: Brian Paschen, 3rd year (34-20)
2024-25 Record: 19-9, lost to D1 state champion Kimberly in a state semis
2024-25 Conference Finish: 4th, 13-5
Returning Starters: Ella Sweeney (5-8, jr., 13.8 PPG, 63 3PM, 2.9 APG), Emilia MontMarquette (5-9, soph., 6.4 PPG, 2.9 APG), Jenna Ott (5-9, sr., 6.2 PPG)
Other Notable Returnees: Ella Jazdzewski (6-0, sr., 5.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG), Aubrey Erickson (5-10, jr.), Allena Neubauer (5-11, jr.)
Team Notes: The Patriots graduated two of their top three scorers from last year's team that advanced to the WIAA state tournament.
Appleton NorthCoach: Tyler Guenther, 1st year; 3rd overall
2024-25 Record: 9-15
2024-25 Conference Finish: 8th, 5-13
Returning Starters: Avery Werfal (5-8, jr., 19.7 PPG, 60 3PM, 6.5 RPG, 2 APG), Tay Maass (5-11, sr., 15.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG), Amber Ziemer (5-6, jr., 5.7 PPG), Brooke Schuh (5-9, soph.)
Other Notable Returnees: Sophie Busch (5-8, sr.), Ava Koleske (5-7, jr.), Addy Campbell (5-5, jr.)
Team Notes: Former Chilton head coach Tyler Guenther takes over the Lightning program.
Appleton WestCoach: Tanner Bump, 1st year
2024-25 Record: 1-24
2024-25 Conference Finish: 10th, 0-18
Returning Starters: Allysen Buss (5-5, sr., 10.1 PPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Emma Schuchart (soph.), Kayden Smit (jr.), Jayla Neita-McClellan (jr.)
Newcomers: Jade Demerath-Cook (fr.), Kaydence Gilbert (soph.)
Team Notes: The Terrors enter the year with a 42-game conference losing streak. Coach Bump told MaxPreps their team strengths include length, IQ, and work ethic.
Fond du LacCoach: Steven Reinhardt, 1st year, 25th overall (361-166)
2024-25 Record: 8-17
2024-25 Conference Finish: 7th, 6-12
Returning Starters: Lilah Johnson (5-10, sr., 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2 SPG), Allie Buelow (5-7, jr., 7.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 APG), Anna Ciha (5-8, sr., 6.5 PPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Nala Wiegand (5-8, jr., 5.8 PPG), Lilly Kejo (5-9, sr., 5.5 PPG, 2 APG)
Team Notes: Veteran head coach Steven Reinhardt takes over the program after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Arrowhead. Reinhardt spent the majority of his time as a head coach at Slinger.
HortonvilleCoach: A.C. Clouthier, 4th year (64-19), 7th overall (125-38)
2024-25 Record: 17-9, lost to D1 state qualifier Appleton East in a regional final
2024-25 Conference Finish: T2nd, 14-4
Returning Starters: Kardyn Peppler (5-7, jr., 14.9 PPG, 2.6 APG, 2.6 SPG), Julieyn Martin (5-9, sr., 9 PPG, 2 SPG ), Madi Springer (5-3, jr., 5.7 PPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Mallorie Werner (5-6, jr.), Morgan Mocadlo (5-5, soph.), Grace Ruys (5-9, soph.), Paige Clausen (5-6, sr.), Callie Pomrening (5-7, soph.), Taylor Lillie (5-6, sr.)
Newcomers: Kalisa Peppler (soph.), Olivia Przybylski (jr.), Laine Gebauer (jr.)
Team Notes: The Polar Bears return three starters, but will need to fill the void left by the graduation of Rainey Welson, who is now playing for the University of Maryland. "We will be a bit different than previous years but have the talent to put up great numbers on the offensive end with our quickness and shooting ability," coach Clouthier told MaxPreps.
KaukaunaCoach: Rob Hendrickson, 2nd year; 8th overall (107-68)
2024-25 Record: 12-13
2024-25 Conference Finish: 5th, 10-8
Returning Starters: Addison Banaszynski (5-8, sr., 5.8 PPG, 2 APG), Ava Reader (5-6, jr., 4.1 PPG, 2.2 APG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Misty Borchert (5-9, jr.), Karlee Gross (5-6, sr.), Annessa Steif (5-9, sr.), Lucy Heller (5-5, soph.), Audrey Lensmire (5-8, soph.), Kacie Greenthal (5-5, soph.), Megan Hall (5-10, soph.)
Newcomers: Audrey Lensmire (soph.), Kacie Greenthal (soph.), Megan Hall (soph.), Lucy Heller (soph.)
Team Notes: The Galloping Ghosts will need to replace most of their scoring from last season. Coach Hendrickson said they are a young team with good depth. "We had a great offseason and I am excited to see how all of the girls fill out the different roles our team will need to be successful."
Kimberly Coach: Dave Lepisto, 4th year (69-17)
2024-25 Record: 29-1, Division 1 state champions
2024-25 Conference Finish: FVA Champions (18-0)
Returning Starters: Ava Van Vonderen (6-1, jr., 12.8 PPG, 7 RPG, 2.1 APG), Haylie Dulas (6-0, jr., 10.5 PPG, 2 APG), Emily Urban (5-6, sr., 5.3 PPG, 2.9 APG, 2.3 SPG), Kennedy Ebben (5-7, jr.)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Claudia Asman (6-1, sr.), Kendyll Brochtrup (5-11, jr.), Vada Sousek (5-5, soph.), Laney Sitek (5-5, soph.), Kinnley Fulcer (5-9, soph.), Kylie VerBockel (6-1, jr., out for the season due to injury)
Newcomers: Libby Buchinger (jr.), Olivia Paveletzke (jr.), Theresa Behnke (jr.), Cara Cockrell (jr.), Peyton Bates (jr.)
Team Notes: The defending Division 1 state champions return an experienced group, led by juniors Ava VanVonderen and Haylie Dulas. Coach Lepisto told MaxPreps they have length and quickness. "We need to defend at a high level to be successful." Coach Lepisto added that teams will be bringing their best against them each game, and they have embraced that and will continue to compete and play for each other.
NeenahCoach: Andy Braunel, 22nd year (304-209)
2024-25 Record: 19-8, Division 1 sectional qualifier
2024-25 Conference Finish: T2nd, 14-4
Returning Starters: Rowan Klesmit (5-7, sr., 22.7 PPG, 89 3PM, 2.3 APG), Ellie Buss (5-7, sr., 13.7 PPG, 91 3PM), Celia Gentile (5-6, jr., 6.6 PPG), Carli Baltus (5-9, jr.)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Alissa Ebel (5-11, jr.), Izzy Malloy (5-8, soph.), Alex Guden (6-0, jr.)
Newcomers: Syd Michalkiewicz (soph.), McKenna Freier (jr.), JB Kennedy (jr.), Lexi Davis (jr.), Farrah Danforth (fr.)
Team Notes: Sharpshooters Rowan Klesmit and Ellie Buss highlight the Rockets' squad. Coach Braunel told MaxPreps their strengths are depth, shooting, and flexibility with lineups.
Oshkosh NorthCoach: Rick Leib, 3rd year (15-38)
2024-25 Record: 9-16
2024-25 Conference Finish: 9th, 3-15
Returning Starters: Awut Alic (6-0, jr., 17.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.8 SPG), Brinna Paulson (5-7, sr., 10 PPG), Naviana Lao-Facundo (5-10, jr.)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Alai Awak (5-10, sr.), Allie Leib (5-6, sr.)
Newcomers: Emaly Duran (soph.), Lucy Housworth (soph), Nahla Whitley (soph.), Sammie Leib (jr.), Promise Shehi (jr.)
Team Notes: "Our athleticism is going to allow us to pressure and play with pace," said coach Leib. He noted that they need to shoot better from 3-point land.
Oshkosh WestCoach: Kenisha Goss, 8th year
2024-25 Record: 10-15
2024-25 Conference Finish: 6th, 7-11
Returning Starters: Ava Strasser (6-0, sr., 6.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Kamryn Stauffacher (5-9, soph., 6 PPG), Colleen Fitzpatrick (5-6, jr., 4 PPG)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Kinslee Nelson (5-10, soph., 6 PPG), Samantha Panske (5-6, jr.), Hailee Marchant (5-9, sr.), Kelsey Williamson (5-8, sr.), Sophie Kalka (5-10, jr.), Kylie Hielsberg (5-5, sr.)
Newcomers: Mya Johnson (soph.), Norah Lytle (soph.), Madisyn Bellin (soph.), Riley Lecker (jr.), Riley Mugerauer (jr.)
Team Notes: Coach Goss told MaxPreps that their strengths are length and athleticism, while their youth is a weakness.
