Sectional 1 Division 4: Predictions
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After finishing sectional predictions in D3, we move on to D4, starting with sectional one. Last season, Neillsville emerged from this sectional as champions but lost a few key contributors to last year’s group. Let’s meet some of the teams…
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Continue ReadingAfter finishing sectional predictions in D3, we move on to D4, starting with sectional one. Last season, Neillsville emerged from this sectional as champions but lost a few key contributors to last year’s group. Let’s meet some of the teams vying for the sectional plaque.
State Contenders
Neillsville
Last season, a senior class of six players led this group. They went 16-0 in Cloverbelt-East play and made a run through their sectional, defeating some talented teams, like Phillips. However, junior Paris Opelt Paris Opelt 5'11" | SG Neillsville | 2024 State WI is back after her first-team all-conference selection last year, as the only underclass player to appear on that list. There is a real possibility that she is the best player in this sectional this season.
Osseo-Fairchild
The loss of Brooke McCune is a prominent one, but the Thunder have had recent success overall and shows even in a “transition,” we can’t look past them. This team lost earlier than expected last season and ended the year with a 23-3 record. Their program has a tradition of success, and I won’t bet against history. Eleice Dahl Eleice Dahl 5'8" | CG Osseso-Fairchild | 2023 State WI is back and played well this summer with Team Wisconsin. Dahl is a versatile forward who will help this Thunder team score, rebound, and defend this season.
Ladysmith
The Lumberjacks had an odd experience in the postseason last year. Ladysmith won the Heart O’North Conference outright with a 17-1 record but watched their runner-up, St. Croix Falls, play in the Resch Center. That said, the Lumberjacks do return their top two scorers in Raemalee Smith Raemalee Smith 5'8" | PG Ladysmith | 2023 WI and Allison Clark. Both played for Small Town Stars this summer, and I saw them play in Des Moines. Both players showed positive aspects of their game and should continue to help their team succeed at the high school level.
Sectional Teams
Phillips
Jada Eggebrecht is at St. Cloud State, and that is important. The Loggers lost their best player and now have a void to fill. Eggebrecht’s younger sister, Kacy, does similar things to her older sister, but there’s a lot for her to learn. Kacy was one of the leaders in the state in steals but will show her game more broadly this season.
Frisky Regional Teams
Fall Creek
The Crickets made a surprise run to sectionals last season after beating Osseo-Fairchild in the regional final. Although this team didn’t have anyone who stood out in a statistical sense, they played well together and only lost three seniors.
My Sectional Prediction
- Ladysmith
- Neillsville
- Osseo-Fairchild
- Phillips