Team Takeaways from the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To close November, I'll briefly discuss some teams at the Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pewaukee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates continued their offensive tear over the past few years. Behind a 36-point outburst against [player_tooltip player_id='374229' first='Amy' last='Terrian'] and an excellent defensive performance by [player_tooltip player_id='536013' first='Giselle' last='Janowski'], the Pirates earned yet another high-profile win this season. The inevitable rematch between Notre Dame and Pewaukee should be electric.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hortonville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to assess the Polar Bears, knowing they won't be at full strength for a while. However, I loved what the non-main-four kids against Pewaukee. I loved what Leah Hearly, [player_tooltip player_id='444797' first='Paige' last='Lille'], and [player_tooltip player_id='842218' first='Julieyn' last='Martin'] did with their time on the floor. Their ability to find ways to contribute in the postseason could swing some of the most significant games of their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Appleton East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots have a talented group, especially in the backcourt. They can give some of the top teams in the FVA problems because of how skilled and athletic their group is from top to bottom. [player_tooltip player_id='749048' first='Ella' last='Sweeney'], Lindsey Gerrard, and [player_tooltip player_id='338969' first='Lilly' last='Meulemans'] complement each other well, and the versatility of [player_tooltip player_id='448322' first='Torie' last='Neubauer'] makes this group dynamic. They'll be a solid group again this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Menomonee Falls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='329591' first='Jade' last='Warren'], [player_tooltip player_id='374231' first='Clare' last='Shea'], and [player_tooltip player_id='602354' first='Sophie' last='Trimble'] are as talented as any trio in the state and could 80 with their Phoenix group on any given night. Whenever they force missed shots and get to run in transition, they become one of the most challenging teams in the state to play against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hartford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Orioles have one upperclassman in their rotation, and she's one of the best juniors in the region, [player_tooltip player_id='338945' first='Makena' last='Christian']. However, their 2026s and 2027s are up there with some of the best in the state. They're only missing the experience of playing varsity minutes. [player_tooltip player_id='751281' first='Rita' last='Kuepper'], [player_tooltip player_id='751285' first='Taressa' last='Hennes'], and [player_tooltip player_id='533085' first='Bella' last='Klages'] will improve throughout the season, and if things break their way, they could be one of the best teams in their sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I thought the Raiders looked well drilled on playing through pressure after a rough outing against Germantown on Friday. They play well together as a unit and will probably kick themselves over the Harford game. However, they have a nice blend of youth and experience. [player_tooltip player_id='520310' first='Ella' last='Carstensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='520312' first='Olivia' last='Grothaus'], and [player_tooltip player_id='914300' first='Ella' last='Wolfe'] played well, and their newcomers, [player_tooltip player_id='751276' first='Olivia' last='LaBlanc'] and [player_tooltip player_id='814306' first='Devin' last='Larson'], had standout moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Muskego</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I talked about Muskego having a real chance at winning their sectional, and they've looked the best thus far. [player_tooltip player_id='528122' first='Melena' last='Glysch'] had an excellent weekend at KM. [player_tooltip player_id='528116' first='Autumn' last='Dibb'] showed her versatility. [player_tooltip player_id='337019' first='Addy' last='Zacher'] orchestrated everything they did offensively, and Bella Miller continued to hit perimeter shots. They know their roles, and they excel within them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pius XI</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loads of talent have left over the past few seasons, but the Popes got some new kids in the door. They have a few talented freshmen who saw time early, [player_tooltip player_id='338941' first='Tess' last='Wiczek'] looks more confident, [player_tooltip player_id='338944' first='Georgia' last='Acompanado'] is a better version of herself, and [player_tooltip player_id='338964' first='Addison' last='Miranda'] is blossoming into one of the best shooters in the state. The Popes might be better than they were last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monona Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The way Coach Murphy has the Silver Eagles playing is fun to watch. The old saying is, "The team reflects the coach." In this case, that couldn't be more true. The Silver Eagles never lack effort, are physically and mentally invested in every bounce of the ball, and are one of the most energetic bunches in Wisconsin. I posted a clip of [player_tooltip player_id='842251' first='Danielle' last='Becker']'s go-ahead three-pointer at Waunakee, and Coach Murphy looked as excited or even more thrilled than anyone on the Silver Eagle bench. You can tell they have an excellent culture, and everyone has the same goal. It also helps when you have a talented group with [player_tooltip player_id='329598' first='Abbey' last='Inda'], [player_tooltip player_id='209611' first='Brooklyn' last='Tortorice'], Karsyn Nelson, [player_tooltip player_id='209606' first='Aubrey' last='Smith'], Tia Justice, [player_tooltip player_id='842251' first='Danielle' last='Becker'], and more. Watching them play is one of the most fun aspects of the season for me thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->