Sectional 3 Division 3: Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we're continuing to look at each sectional. Next up is sectional three in division three. Last season, the Waupun Warriors emerged from this sectional and won the state title in this division. After Kewauskum moved out of this sectional, the layout changed, so let's talk about these teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>State Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waupun</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although the Warriors lost three starters, they still return an absurd amount of talent. [player_tooltip player_id='209617' first='Kayl' last='Petersen'] is one of the best juniors in the state, and last season was arguably the most dominant player in Wisconsin at times, and that's saying something. [player_tooltip player_id='209618' first='Gracie' last='Gopalan'] is one of the best floor generals in the state, and [player_tooltip player_id='374233' first='Lydia' last='Aalsma'] was one of the best sophomores from America's Dairyland on the AAU Circuit this summer. The Warriors will have to figure out how to fill the rest of their rotation, but having those three together for the next two years is a start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Sectional Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brodhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals were lifted from Division 4 and had an unfortunate run in the postseason last winter. Senior, and Whitewater volleyball commit, [player_tooltip player_id='156074' first='Abbie' last='Dix'] picked up a knee injury in their regional title game, which altered how they played. This team won the Rock Valley last season in a dominant fashion. They lost some seniors who were integral figures in their rotation, but they should still be competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbus</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group was the most surprising last winter, beating state favorite Prairie du Chien in the regional title game. The Cardinals get most of their rotation back with the experience of playing in sectionals a year ago. The Cardinals could surprise some people again.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake [player_tooltip player_id='884522' first='Mills' last='']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb commit Bella Pitta will be difficult for anyone in this sectional to defend. She's a legit 6-foot-3 and is skilled around the basket and beyond. The L-Cats were at state a few years ago, and if things break right, they could be knocking on the door again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Frisky Regional Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dodgeville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team is out of the way of major city centers, so players like [player_tooltip player_id='266995' first='Marley' last='Busch'] can fly under the radar. I think Busch is an effective forward. The six-foot junior will cause problems for teams in this sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edgewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edgewood was in the sectional final a year ago, but they lost a senior class that will affect them early on. However, I trust Mataya Fernandez to lead this team to be competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evansville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='266993' first='Ava' last='Brandenburg'] is one of the most versatile players in Wisconsin. I also think the pieces around her are good enough to compete at a high level. I just need to see them compete with sectional-level teams before I place them in a higher tier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Platteville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='432707' first='Elizabeth' last='Poller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='156099' first='Camryn' last='Nies'] are a fine backcourt. They complement each other well. They had a rough night against Columbus to end their season last year, but I think they can win some games in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prairie du Chien</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season was heartbreaking, to say the least, that team was good enough to win a state title, but they were upset by Columbus. Lily Krahn is playing for Marissa Mosely and the Badgers this season. There's a vacuum for players to fill. [player_tooltip player_id='367058' first='Ashlyn' last='Knapp'] will get to run the offense full-time, and I think she's better than she's given credit for, but this team is an underdog this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>My Sectional Prediction</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><li>Waupun</li><li>Columbus</li><li>Brodhead</li><li>Lake [player_tooltip player_id='884522' first='Mills' last='']</li></ol> <!-- /wp:list -->