Wisconsin has produced some of the most legendary names in basketball history, from hardwood heroes who lit up high school gyms to future pros who made the state proud. Now, we're on a mission to find the best high school boys basketball player the Badger State has ever seen—and we need your voice to settle the debate.
As part of USA TODAY Sports' celebration of America's 250th anniversary, we're looking back at the athletes who built the foundation of our sports culture. These are the players who didn't just win games—they defined communities, inspired generations, and left a mark that goes far beyond the scoreboard.
But how do you compare greatness when it takes so many forms? Some players were unstoppable in high school but never lit up the college ranks. Others saved their best for later, with high school offering only a glimpse of what was to come. Our goal isn't just to count championships or stats—it's to honor the trailblazers, the trendsetters, and the players whose stories still resonate across Wisconsin today.
Take Tony Bennett, for example. The 6-foot guard grew up in Stevens Point after his father, Dick, took over as coach at UW-Stevens Point in 1976. Tony spent his freshman year at PJ Jacobs Junior High before moving when his dad became the head coach at UW-Green Bay. He wasn't thrilled about leaving his friends behind—but Preble High School ended up being the big winner.
Bennett scored a program-record 1,340 points, becoming one of just four players in Preble history to reach 1,000 career points. During his senior season, Preble made the WIAA state tournament and was ranked No. 1 in Class A, though they fell to Stevens Point in the quarterfinals. From there, Bennett went on to become UW-Green Bay's all-time leading scorer with 2,285 points, and his career 49.7% shooting from three-point range still stands as an NCAA record. After three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, he entered the coaching world—eventually leading the University of Virginia to a national championship.
Stories like Bennett's are exactly what we're looking for. But we know our process isn't perfect, and that's where you come in. Who else deserves a spot on this list? Cast your vote in our poll and help us crown Wisconsin's greatest high school basketball legend.