Recently, the high school basketball scene in Wisconsin has been buzzing with excitement as several all-star games brought together some of the state's most talented young athletes. The Freedom boys basketball team made history by securing second place at the WIAA state tournament, marking their first appearance since 1990. Meanwhile, the annual Wisconsin Herd High School All-Star Game and the inaugural FVA/FRCC all-star game highlighted standout performances from senior players across different conferences. These events featured not only competitive matchups but also entertaining skills contests that showcased individual brilliance.
This year’s edition of the Wisconsin Herd All-Star Game took place at Oshkosh Arena, where doors opened at noon for fans eager to witness the spectacle. The afternoon commenced with a thrilling 3-point contest at 12:30 p.m., followed by an electrifying dunk competition at 1 p.m. Finally, the main event—the coed all-star game—unfolded at 1:30 p.m., pitting Team Wisconsin against Team Herd. Among those representing Team Wisconsin were Xzavion Mitchell from Oshkosh North, Jesse DeBauch from Gillett, and Olivia Witkowski from Weyauwega-Fremont. On the opposing side, Team Herd included notable talents such as Cade Prestigiacomo from Appleton East, Logan Sipple from Shawano, and Adahlyn Hoerl from Chilton.
In addition to this showcase, another prestigious event occurred on April 13 when the Fox Valley Association (FVA) faced off against the Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC). Held at Kaukauna High School, this game attracted attention due to its inclusion of three finalists vying for the coveted Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Award. Leading the FVA team was Mitchell, who claimed this year’s title, while Zach Kinziger from De Pere and Amari Allen from Ashwaubenon represented the FRCC. Both teams consisted primarily of seniors named to their respective first-team all-conference rosters, along with many second-team selections. Spectators enjoyed additional entertainment through both a 3-point shooting contest and a dunk contest before the primary matchup.
As these events concluded successfully, they left lasting impressions on attendees and participants alike. Not only did they celebrate exceptional athletic abilities, but they also provided opportunities for recognition among deserving students. With tickets priced affordably at $5 for adults and $3 for students, community members had ample chances to support local talent. Through engaging competitions like these, high school basketball continues to thrive in Wisconsin, inspiring future generations to pursue greatness within the sport.