Predictions: Division 1 Sectional Winners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, I've highlighted teams who can make some noise in Division 1 this coming postseason. Today, I'll make my picks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 1 Winner: Hortonville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There aren't many obstacles this core hasn't run into in high school. The Polar Bears lost in the sectional final overtime two years ago, and losing heartbreakingly last season stings, especially for their class of 2022. However, the group they bring back is more than good enough to win a gold ball this season. No team could ask for a better replacement for a Ms. Basketball winner than [player_tooltip player_id='206727' first='Trinity' last='Mocadlo']. She's a winner, and her effort alone forces her teammates to match her intensity. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='374227' first='Rainey' last='Welson'] is one of the best 2025s in the midwest and led the Polar Bears in scoring last season. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='209902' first='Kallie' last='Peppler'] has been one of the most versatile fours in Wisconsin. The forward scores inside and out and defends one through five. [player_tooltip player_id='266988' first='MiKayla' last='Werner'] burst onto the scene last season on the road against Appleton East, where she earned a double-double. The fifth starting spot is in question, but it's not for lack of options. I think this team is too deep for the competition in their sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 2 Winner: Germantown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Germantown lost Emilie Wizner, the Warhawks have a handful of underclassmen who can step up. KK Arnold will draw the most attention, which creates opportunities for her teammates. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='448252' first='Danica' last='Gosz'] is a good enough shooter to make teams pay for overhelping. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='444780' first='Lucy' last='Leininger'] showed that she could handle the defensive responsibilities of a five, even though she may be slightly undersized for that position. Rachel Murphy and Jaycee Mani are kids who may be small guards, but they fight for everything. This group will face a challenge with Kaukauna's size, which gave them issues last season, but I can't be against KK Arnold in the postseason in her senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 3 Winner: Brookfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I believe the Greater Metro Conference will get two teams to state. Brookfield got over the hump last season and made it to the Resch Center. They had their chances to win their semifinal game but couldn't get over the hump and take the lead. Teams with elite defenses have faired well in postseasons past, and this may be the best defensive team in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='156077' first='Annika' last='Pluemer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='266987' first='Shae' last='Kelley'] are the best defensive backcourt duo in Wisconsin. 6-foot-2 Maddy McGath is an athletic deterrent in the paint with versatility on the offensive end. However, freshman Maya Kovacic could change what this team is this season. Kovacic is good enough to play big minutes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Spartans bring her off the bench to attack defenses trying to catch their breath.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional 4 Winner: Kettle Moraine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see no reason the Lasers won't be back in the Resch Center this season, barring injury. West Virginia commit [player_tooltip player_id='156050' first='Grace' last='Grocholski'] is as dominant as anyone when she turns it on. That showed in the state title game last season. Northern Michigan commit [player_tooltip player_id='156076' first='Braelyn' last='Torres'] is also one of the best two-way guards in the state. The loss of Lily Randgaard will be rough in games against the top teams. They can win state again, but they'll need a few kids to take that next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->