Dairyland-Large Conference Preview
After looking at some schools in the western part of the state yesterday, we’re staying over there and talking small-school basketball within the Dairyland Conferences. The Dairyland produced Blair-Taylor, who played in the D5 state title, and a few others…
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Continue ReadingAfter looking at some schools in the western part of the state yesterday, we’re staying over there and talking small-school basketball within the Dairyland Conferences. The Dairyland produced Blair-Taylor, who played in the D5 state title, and a few others that ended their seasons playing in Regional Title games.
Blair-Taylor
When a school of 189 kids loses a class like Lindsay Steien, Abby Thompson, and Kierstyn Kindschy, they usually take a turn for the worse. However, I’m eager to see what Blair-Taylor looks like centered around sophomore Andrea Waldera Andrea Waldera 6'1" | C Blair-Taylor | 2026 State WI . The 6-1 post is a solid athlete and does an excellent job protecting the rim. Waldera was a significant reason Blair-Taylor’s aggressive perimeter defense worked. Even with the losses this group had, they should still be competitive.
Cochrane-Fountain City
All three players that earned all-conference honors for the Pirates are back. Alexis Pronchinske, Emmalee Mann, and Isabella Holzer are all back for their senior seasons after falling to Royal in the regional rounds last season. The continuity of their backcourt is solid, and that’s arguably the most significant thing in small-school basketball. Pronchinske and Mann were first-team all-conference performers in their junior year, and their continued success makes them the favorites going into the upcoming year.
Melrose-Mindoro
The success of the Mustangs last year is because of Lilly Radcliffe. There is no other all-conference performer on the roster this season, and without Radcliffe’s production, there are questions the coaching staff to sort out. I don’t expect an easy transition for the Mustangs without Lilly Radcliffe.
Augusta
The Beavers are in a similar position as Melrose-Mindoro. Each had an around .500 record last season and lost their first-team all-conference senior who led their team in every facet a year ago. I expect the Beavers and Mustangs to continue battling for position in the Dairyland-Large.
Eleva-Strum
In small-school basketball, roster turnover is inevitable. It’s the nature of the game at that level. The Cardinals only lost three seniors and will have most of their roster back, which is more than most in their conference. Their returners will help them get off to a good start.
Whitehall
The Norse are unlike most other teams in the conference. Whitehall has some significant performers from last season’s team back and will have those players as upperclassmen, like Olivia Killian and Trinity Aasen. There’s a chance they take a significant leap this season.
My Predictions
- Cochrane-Fountain City
- Blair-Taylor
- Whitehall
- Eleva-Strum
- Melrose-Mindoro
- Augusta