Knights set to rock ’n’ roll

Kreklow, Feller surpassed the 1,000-point milestone last year as juniors

Jaden Kreklow and Zach Feller - photo by Marissa Weiher

NEW GLARUS — Last season the Glarner Knight suffered just one loss in 25 tries — a devastating 74-68 sectional semifinal game against eventual WIAA Division 2 runner-up Pardeeville.

And while New Glarus lost star big man Cullen Brooks to graduation, the offense returns a load of firepower.

“We are coming off one of the best seasons in school history and return four starters, so there will be some high expectations,” New Glarus coach Travis Sysko said. “We lose a double-double guy with the graduation of Cullen Brooks. We will have to find a way to make up for those points, rebounds and defense in the paint.”

Seniors Jaden Kreklow (20.3 ppg), Zach Feller (19.1 ppg) and Trevor Gassman (10.7) were each all-conference last season — with Kreklow and Feller first-team and Gassman honorable mention. Junior Connor Siegenthaler (7.2 ppg) was also honorable mention all-conference.

The group of returning Knights, which also includes Patrick Craker and Mason Martinson, returns 61 points, nearly 18 rebounds, and 13.6 assists per game. A year ago, New Glarus averaged 82.7 points per game.

Knights Roster

Patrick Craker Sr.

Zach Feller Sr.

Trevor Gassman Sr.

Michael Janssen Sr.

Jaden Kreklow Sr.

Jared Martinson Sr.

Mitch Schadewalt Sr.

Garret James Jr.

Connor Siegenthaler Jr.

Calvin Strok Jr.

Mason Martinson So.

Darris Schuett So.

Nathan Strieff So.

Capitol South 2017-18 Standings

Team Conf. Total

New Glarus 10-0 24-1

Wis. Heights 7-3 17-6

Cambridge 5-5 9-14

Marshall 5-5 8-15

Belleville 2-8 9-15

Waterloo 1-9 3-18

“Guard play is a definite strength. I think Kreklow is one of the best point guards in the state. Feller is a returning 4-year starter who has improved every year,” Sysko said. “We have a lot of varsity experience and skilled players.”

Wisconsin Heights, Cambridge and Marshall all share a desire to bump New Glarus off the Capitol South throne, as is Belleville, the Knights’ top rival that struggled with the injury bug last season.

“I think we are still the team to bear. I expect Wisconsin Heights to be very competitive. I think Cambridge, Marshall and Belleville have some youth coming in that could push for varsity time next season and put them in the mix,” Sysko said.

While the conference title remains the regular season goal, the postseason goal is to not only get to sectionals, but to state. In doing so, the Knights have packed its nonconference schedule riddled with teams with postseason pedigree and talented rosters, which include Dodgeville, Platteville, Darlington, Monroe, Cuba City, Barneveld and Mineral Point — the preseason No. 1 in Division 4.

“(The) potential is there to have another successful season,” Sysko said.