Intriguing Regional Games

Brady Peterson February 12, 2024 @ 09:15 AM

In my two articles today, I want to discuss some takeaways from how seeding went yesterday and how it may affect seasons ahead. I also want to highlight some first-round matchups to keep an eye on next Tuesday and Friday.   No. 11 Appleton East at No. 6 Superior (D1S1)   Nobody envies a team having to take a five-hour bus ride to and from a playoff game, but that's where Appleton East finds themselves. The Patriots have had some ups and downs throughout the season, but in my eyes, they'll have the most talented group when they take the floor in Superior.   Superior had a solid season in the Lake Superior Conference, and [player_tooltip player_id='266985' first='Kloe' last='Zentkowski'] is one of the most frustrating kids to guard. She can slot into any role a coach would want. She can shoot, pass, create off the dribble, and could change a game based on her defensive versatility.   On the Patriots sideline, they have three kids who could win their team a game on any given night. [player_tooltip player_id='338969' first='Lilly' last='Meulemans'] has been electric this season, [player_tooltip player_id='448322' first='Torie' last='Neubauer'] is an inside-out threat who'll likely be the one asked to guard Zentkowski, and [player_tooltip player_id='749048' first='Ella' last='Sweeney'] has been one of the most productive newcomers in the state.   Don't be surprised if the Patriots take this one comfortably.   No. 6 Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic at No. 3 Cambridge (D4S4B)   Compared to last season, Kenosha St. Joespeh Catholic has improved. The Lancers had some kids transfer in, but Francesca McLain and [player_tooltip player_id='667016' first='Kamryn' last='Lecce'] have been more effective in their sophomore seasons. McLain will likely be the best kid on the floor in that game, and her skillset could allow the Lancers to take control of that game by controlling the tempo on the offensive end of the floor.   The Bluejays l have to rely on [player_tooltip player_id='448317' first='Brooke' last='Stenklyft'] and [player_tooltip player_id='209908' first='Saveea' last='Freeland']. Each has been a consistently productive player in their time at Cambridge, and in their last run together, they could win a Regional Title if they get through their Regional Semi-Final against the Lancers.   No. 5 Colfax at No. 4 Grantsburg (D4S1A)   Grantsburg has had a solid year and got significant contributions from Megan Schafer, Piper Carlson, and Ruby Rengo, whom they've relied upon throughout the season. However, in their first game, they have Colfax coming to Grantsburg, and much of that Colfax team was on the team that made an improbable run to the Resch Center as a No. 4 seed last season. [player_tooltip player_id='444786' first='McKenna' last='Shipman'] is a kid that we can't overlook in the postseason.   No. 10 Mukwonago at. No. 7 Oconomowoc (D1S3)   If you like post-play, this game is for you. [player_tooltip player_id='521878' first='Noelle' last='Anthon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='652141' first='Rachael' last='Chilicki'] have been two of the top post players in the state and will match up for a third time this season. The Racoons have beaten Mukwonago both times this season, but they haven't been blowouts by any stretch of the imagination. These teams are similar groups, and I'd bet this game is divided by single digits for a third time this season.   Nobody would expect them to beat Arrowhead, but both teams have enough size that may give them some fits in a Regional Championship game in Hartland.

In my two articles today, I want to discuss some takeaways from how seeding went yesterday and how it may affect seasons ahead. I also want to highlight some first-round matchups to keep an eye on next Tuesday and Friday.