Coaches discuss school’s top athletes
By Erik Buchinger
Eight New London High School athletes received All-Bay Conference awards during the winter sports season.
The Bulldogs received three First Team All-Conference awards, two Second Team selections and three Honorable Mentions. Four wrestlers were awarded in addition to two boys’ basketball players and two girls’ basketball players.
Boys Basketball
Will Wohlt (11, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Will Wohlt is a very skilled, bigger-bodied kid that can score the ball. Will’s basketball IQ is one of the highest in our program, and that allows him to have a good feel of the game. Scoring with his back to the basket is such an asset for our team and something that is hard to come by. Will has a very nice perimeter shot as well, which is something we hope to utilize more next year. He has improved on his defense and has really developed into a great rebounder. Will is a hard worker, talented multi-sport athlete and a great young man. We’re excited to have him back for one more year. Will averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in conference.”
-Head boys basketball coach Kurt Schommer
Brayden Kurth (11, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Brayden Kurth really came into his own this season and found his place on our team where he can help the most. Brayden’s defense and ability to block and alter shots in the paint are qualities that he possesses on a day-to-day basis that help our team to be successful. Brayden’s athleticism allows him to recover after there is a breakdown in defense. He also really started to score the ball this year as well, averaging almost 10 points per game. There is at least once or twice a game where he will bring the “wow” factor, whether that being blocking a shot out of bounds, a steal when it looked like that wasn’t possible or chasing down a wide open lay-up to force a miss. He’s very important to the success of our team, and we’re looking forward to what he can bring next year as a senior. Brayden averaged nine points, 5.5 rebounds and three blocks in conference.”
-Head boys basketball coach Kurt Schommer
Girls Basketball
Leah Porath (12, First Team All-Conference, All-State Team): “Leah’s First Team All-Bay Conference selection was very deserving. She put together a fabulous conference year, that had her lead the conference in both point per game (20.8) and rebounds per game (8.7). Leah did a little bit of everything for us this past year. Many times she was asked to defend the other team’s best player, score the basketball when needed, bring the ball down the floor and be our calming influence throughout games. To her credit, she not only accepted those roles but excelled in each of them. Off the court, Leah was a great leader and a great example for both her teammates and future players. She was a tireless worker, who was always trying to improve her play and make her teammates better. Her leadership, no doubt, played an enormous part in our 10-4 conference record and third place finish. Leah had an excellent high school career, and I look forward to watching her continue to grow playing at UW-Oshkosh the next four years.”
-Head girls basketball coach Troy Krause
Kate Christian (10, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Kate really had herself a nice sophomore season and was definitely earned her All-Bay Conference Honorable Mention selection. She led the conference in steals and averaged 10.3 points a game. Kate is a very smart basketball player, and her knowledge on the court was valuable for us and definitely played an important part in our third place finish. Along with her numbers, Kate took on a leadership role that motivated her teammates and made us a better team. Off the court, Kate is an excellent student and role model for our younger players. Watching Kate’s growth throughout the year was exciting and I see many more fun and exciting things in her future.”
-Head girls basketball coach Troy Krause
Wrestling
Scott Cook (12, First Team All-Conference, Wrestler of the Year, State Champion): “Scott Cook had a record-setting year on multiple levels. After dropping two matches in New London’s opening tournament of the year, Scott went undefeated and ended the year with a state championship. Scott became New London’s first state champion at 138 pounds and also set the school record for wins with 146. Scott went undefeated in conference competition, while being willing to wrestle up multiple weight classes, earning him First Team All-Conference, and his dominant run in the postseason earned him Wrestler of the Year.”
-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger
Garrett Ruckdashel (11, First Team All-Conference): “Garrett Ruckdashel started the year out strong by winning his first two tournaments of the year. Garrett’s work ethic to improve this year was high as he put in countless hours of practice. His effort paid off as Garrett turned into a well balanced wrestler. In conference competition, Garrett was willing to wrestle anyone for the betterment of the team! Putting the team first, he came through in a big way finishing 5-0 in conference and earning First Team All-Conference. Garrett’s season came up just short this year of his goals as he lost a close match to the third place finisher at sectionals. “
-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger
Brent Helsten (10, Second Team All-Conference): “Brent Helsten was a rock for us at the beginning of our lineup. He is always smiling and loves to put in the work in the room. Brent’s hard work paid off this year as he went 4-1 in conference and earned Second Team All-Conference. Brent is looking to come back big next year, and I am excited to see what he brings to the room.”
-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger
Remington Steele (12, Second Team All-Conference): “Remington Steele had a very up and down season as he battled through injuries in the second half of the year. Starting out the year, Remington went on a tear, and the reality began to build on his goals. Remington suffered an injury to his ribs and battled through it despite the pain. He is a fighter, and you can see that he is going to do whatever he needs to do to compete. Despite the injury, Remington finished the season and ended with a 3-1 conference record, earning him Second Team All-Conference.”
-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger