Large Schools: Sectional Preview

Sectional Week has plenty of emotion behind it, good and bad. Eighty teams will play on Thursday night for the right to be one of the 20 teams that make the trip to Green Bay for the State Tournament in their respective divisions. Before we tip-off tonight, I'll have some previews for the large schools (D1 & D2) and small schools (D4 & D3).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D1</h2>   Division 1 has parody among the top teams around the state. The teams expected to get out of regionals did, for the most part. However, let's discuss some things to watch around the four sectionals.   S1   There is a strong belief that Hortonville gets out of Sectional One, but that's why we play the games.   The Polar Bears have the most talent of the teams left in their sectional and have the most familiarity with each other playing in Sectionals. [player_tooltip player_id='374227' first='Rainey' last='Welson'] had a monster performance to get the Polar Bears to the State Tournament a year ago, but having kids who played roles in that game, like Paige Lillie and Mikayla Werner, is indispensable.   Although Eau Claire Memorial just snuck by Stevens Point last weekend, they're a very organized team. Last season, they played Neenah, and it took a masterful performance from [player_tooltip player_id='533065' first='Rowan' last='Klesmit'] to get the Rockets over the line against the Old Abes. They'll be heavy underdogs in the eyes of the public, but their defensive wings, [player_tooltip player_id='448296' first='Ashlynn' last='Schroeder'] and [player_tooltip player_id='421305' first='Jordyn' last='Peed'], are back, and those two will give Hortonville issues and could force the Polar Bears into a junky-style game.   Neenah has had the unfortunate pleasure of playing in Sectionals with some of the most talented teams to come out of the Midwest the past few years, like Kimberly in 2021, Hortonville and Appleton East in 2022, and Hortonville again the past two years. Although they may not have the depth of other teams in Division 1, they have one of the three best players the state has produced, [player_tooltip player_id='189502' first='Allie' last='Ziebell']. Her scoring forces the defense to pay extra attention to her whenever she's on the floor to keep her from scoring 40, and sometimes, it doesn't even matter. She's that good.   The final team competing for a trip to the Resch Center is the Hudson Raiders. The Raiders have a blend of young and experienced talent that's gotten them this far. [player_tooltip player_id='444790' first='Ella' last='Carstensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='342361' first='Olivia' last='Grothaus'], and [player_tooltip player_id='914300' first='Ella' last='Wolfe'] are kids who've been in the postseason and have played some of the best teams in the state. However, they got one of their two talented 2027s healthy in [player_tooltip player_id='814306' first='Devin' last='Larson'], who brings plenty of dynamic play from the lead guard spot. They've been battle-tested in the Big Rivers Conference and are comfortable playing in close games because they've done it multiple times against the top teams in the BRC.   S2   Sectional Two is an absolute bloodbath. Multiple teams whose seasons ended last weekend could argue they're better than other D1 teams still playing, but let's stick to the teams still in the tournament.   Brookfield East has been to the Resch Center for the past two years. However, the Spartans have a significantly different group this year than the past two years. They're still the same defensive unit that got them two straight Sectional Titles and earned them a runner-up finish last season. [player_tooltip player_id='266987' first='Shae' last='Kelley'], Addie Doyle, [player_tooltip player_id='497476' first='Maya' last='Kovacic'], and [player_tooltip player_id='209610' first='Ava' last='Burgher'] are intelligent and active defenders who understand how to create turnovers within their 2-3 zone. The main concern with them is their inconsistency on the offensive end. [player_tooltip player_id='497476' first='Maya' last='Kovacic'] is one of the better creators, but there have been games when they've gone cold and struggled to score. Their defense can keep them in games, but watch their offense.   Germantown is a team that recently beat Brookfield East, and they're playing with a ton of confidence heading into this weekend. They're one of the most aggressive defensive teams around. [player_tooltip player_id='444780' first='Lucy' last='Leininger'] is the kid who makes their defensive philosophy work. You'll see her probably record at least five steals or blocks in their game, and that's a conservative estimate. The kids around her are also very scrappy. Rachel Murphy, [player_tooltip player_id='558941' first='Jaycee' last='Mani'], [player_tooltip player_id='448252' first='Danica' last='Gosz'], Mary Leininger, and Madeline Stocks are comfortable playing aggressive and pressing defense. The Warhawks score well over 70 points on average due to the live-ball turnovers they force. That production isn't easy to compete with.   Kimberly's strength of schedule was as good as anyone's around the state in their non-conference schedule. In the FVA, they were excellent but came up just short, falling a game behind Hortonville for a share of the conference title. However, this relatively young group has shown flashes of a team that could lift a gold ball on March 9th. [player_tooltip player_id='448243' first='Katelyn' last='McGinnis'] has played like one of the top kids in the state and is producing like one. The craziest thing about the Papermakers is that McGinnis could be way off her game, and they could still win by 15 or more points. They have as much depth as anyone left in D1. [player_tooltip player_id='448245' first='Raegan' last='Krueger'] is among the most versatile post kids in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='764909' first='Haylie' last='Dulas'] can do a little of everything, [player_tooltip player_id='509695' first='Emily' last='Urban'] can set the tempo at the point of attack, Jaydn Dietrich is one of the best perimeter defenders in the FVA, and Ava Van Vonderan comes off their bench and is arguably the most talented kids in the 2027 class around the Midwest. That's not everyone they have who can play productive minutes. If they're rolling, they'll be challenging to beat.   After winning a share of the North Shore Conference for the first time, the Hartford Orioles could find themselves at the State Tournament in about ten days. [player_tooltip player_id='338945' first='Makena' last='Christian'] has been outstanding later in the season and been on a roll since they lost to Homestead on the road. However, [player_tooltip player_id='533085' first='Bella' last='Klages']' ability to create off the dribble may be the most integral aspect of the Orioles' offense. What she does at the point of attack is where their offense comes from. The biggest x-factor for them will be their young talent. They have three 2027s who'll play and be needed to produce with their minutes on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='751281' first='Rita' last='Kuepper'] will create some shots off the dribble, [player_tooltip player_id='751236' first='Alexis' last='Shelsta'] will get looks from three, and [player_tooltip player_id='751285' first='Taressa' last='Hennes'] will need to use her athleticism to make plays on the defensive end.   S3   Sectional Three came out of regionals with chalk holding strong.   Oregon had a scare at home against Vel Phillips Memorial but made a play late to come out with a narrow victory. They are the No. 1 seed but may have the least amount of talent of any team remaining in this sectional. That may sound like a knock, but it's a testament to their player's grit. They've been at a talent deficit multiple times this season, but they've always found a way to figure it out. [player_tooltip player_id='209909' first='Samantha' last='Schmitt'] is their leader, and her teammates respond well to her. Delaney Nyenhuis has improved each of the past two years, and kids like Katelyn Studebaker, [player_tooltip player_id='767277' first='Olivia' last='Neis'], and [player_tooltip player_id='457866' first='Teagan' last='Schoenecker'] all understand their role and what they need to do to win games.   Kettle Moraine are reigning back-to-back state champions and underdogs in this sectional. After losing Grace Grocholski and Braelyn Torres, this team's different but makes it work. Their junior class of [player_tooltip player_id='767268' first='Emily' last='Gomez']-[player_tooltip player_id='338955' first='Lola' last='Bond']-[player_tooltip player_id='602360' first='Keegan' last='Lodes'] are excellent athletes and diversify their game. Gomez has emerged as a scorer for the Lasers, Bond has initiated the Laser offense, and Lodes' athleticism forces mismatches for opposing defenses. Lodes is also 5-11 and athletic, so she defends multiple positions. There's still some experience left from the past two title-winning teams. [player_tooltip player_id='618804' first='Maddie' last='Schopf'] has been a kid they've relied on to make high-pressure perimeter shots in games throughout the past two seasons.   For the past few seasons, Arrowhead has been knocking on the door of the state tournament. The past three years, they've tripped up in the Sectional Finals. However, this team does have a different feel to it. [player_tooltip player_id='533057' first='Natalie' last='Kussow'] has a year of experience and plays more maturely than she did a year ago. Nothing she does has felt forced this year, which has led to some big games from kids like [player_tooltip player_id='444796' first='Erica' last='Bub'], [player_tooltip player_id='533082' first='Libby' last='Gilmore'], and Abby Robel. Their success correlates with how well Kussow plays. The other thing to note about this group is the poise of [player_tooltip player_id='533069' first='Presly' last='Samz']. Verona will throw pressure at her, and she won't get flustered. It seems like there are more people of the mind that Verona will win that game, but because of Samz, the Warhawks won't turn the ball over like other teams Verona has faced.   In [player_tooltip player_id='209595' first='Taylor' last='Stremlow'], [player_tooltip player_id='209608' first='Reagan' last='Briggs'], and [player_tooltip player_id='444787' first='Maia' last='Ellis']' first season in 2020-21, the Wildcats didn't have a season, then had a season, played eight games, went 4-4, then went on to win regionals and sectionals, and go to the state tournament. In the past two seasons, the Wildcats have lost in the Regional Title at Waunakee and a Sectional Semifinal against Arrowhead last season. However, [player_tooltip player_id='209595' first='Taylor' last='Stremlow'] has been as healthy as she's been since her first season, and she's been outstanding. They have more experience at this level than anyone in their sectional and will walk into sectionals with an undefeated record.   S4   Chalk held in this sectional, but there were some surprises here.   Muskego did what you'd expect from a No. 1 seed. They beat seeds No. 16 and No. 8 handily and have momentum heading into Thursday. There has been plenty of chatter describing Sectional Four as the weakest, which I'd agree with, but I feel people overlook the top few seeds here, especially Muskego. The Warriors have a handful of kids who are next-level prospects. [player_tooltip player_id='528122' first='Melena' last='Glysch'] is a physical and skilled 5-11 forward who can score inside and out and rebounds well on the defensive end of the floor. The kid who I feel can give some of the best teams in the state fits is [player_tooltip player_id='528116' first='Autumn' last='Dibb']. Dibb's versatility on both ends is valuable. She's a competitive kid who can create, pass, rebound, defend, and score. They also have these role kids who can do one or two things at a high level. For instance, [player_tooltip player_id='842235' first='Mallory' last='Glysch'] and Bella Miller are two kids who can make multiple threes and keep their team in a game or extend a lead.    It's been some time since the Trojans have been playing after Regionals. What they do goes through two kids, [player_tooltip player_id='914321' first='Josie' last='Tenuta'] and Emily Giese. Tenuta has been an excellent shooter all season for the Trojans. Giese is a rangey 6-0 forward who's been an outstanding rebounder and a consistent finisher around the basket the past two seasons. They beat traditional Southeast Conference power Oak Creek to get to sectionals after losing by 23 to the Knights less than two weeks ago.   The story of Franklin's season has two parts, one before Natlaie Meaux and one after. Earlier in the year, the Sabers beat Kenosha Tremper and Bradford without Meaux but were handled in their season opener by Muskego. [player_tooltip player_id='444788' first='Lauren' last='Capstran'] made plays while Meaux was out, including a 30-foot game-winner against Kenosha Bradford in Franklin. [player_tooltip player_id='457814' first='Rachael' last='Jepsen'] is also a kid who there isn't a good matchup for her left in the sectional.   Bradford came into this season in an awkward position. They lost Nevaeh Thomas and Syderah Farmer to graduation. Due to that, most of their production walked out the door, but they've managed it well. [player_tooltip player_id='914325' first='Iyanna' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='751280' first='Rihanna' last='Barker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1228873' first='Alise' last='Keys'] have been a reliable trio for them this season. They've competed with everyone in the SEC and could be a tricky, familiar opponent for Franklin tonight.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">D2</h2>   S1   Since this sectional came out, most people assumed that Notre Dame would walk their way to state, and so far, they have, but let's talk about the last four teams here.   Menomonie has a group who's been to the second weekend of the postseason the past three seasons and played Notre Dame in the state semifinals two years ago. The Mustangs have [player_tooltip player_id='329548' first='Mary' last='Berg'] and [player_tooltip player_id='342359' first='Sam' last='Jacobsen'] back in their senior year, and they led them back to the top of the Big Rivers this season, winning the conference outright. They're a group who's won everything they could in the Northwest part of the state and have plenty of experience back.   Lakeland won this sectional a year ago. The T-Birds lost Julianna Ouimette to graduation, but her younger sister, Kristina, had a breakout this season. She's become a go-to scorer, and even though she's the first name on the scouting report, it hasn't mattered she's shot the ball at an elite level this season.   Notre Dame is going for an unprecedented fourth state title in a row. Their senior group of [player_tooltip player_id='209880' first='Gracie' last='Grzesk'], [player_tooltip player_id='209879' first='Trista' last='Fayta'], and [player_tooltip player_id='209882' first='Sydney' last='Whitehouse'] have been through it all and have the experience nobody else has. They get help in the starting group from [player_tooltip player_id='338948' first='Peyton' last='Musial'] and [player_tooltip player_id='842199' first='Kaia' last='Waldrop'], who won a state title together a year ago. Not only is this group very sound fundamentally, but they have some of the best talent in the state, including Fayta and Grzesk, who are both Ms. Basketball candidates.   Green Bay Southwest made it out of regionals as a No. 6 seed and will face Notre Dame for a third time this season. They have one of the leading scorers from the FRCC, who's had a tremendous career to this point.   S2   After being upset by Grafton in a Regional Final a year ago, Beaver Dam is back in sectionals. The Golden Beavers may be back, but they're a different team than they were in fall ball. They have a new coach, a new rotation, and some unfamiliarity due to various absences. [player_tooltip player_id='209588' first='Gabby' last='Wilke'] is still a talented and versatile forward, and [player_tooltip player_id='533067' first='Nataya' last='Donaldson'] is a gifted scorer from the guard position. The x-factor for them will be [player_tooltip player_id='521881' first='Annika' last='Salettel']'s defense.   Teams who don't see Watertown often, and even some that do, have trouble playing against their zone defense. The Goslings have played a 1-3-1 zone in the past and have the personnel with the right mindset to make it a nightmare. Someone like [player_tooltip player_id='209604' first='Ellie' last='Demet'], who's a competitive kid who grinds for everything, gives their offense a chance to win them a game.   The most prominent belief is that D2 would get decided between Pewaukee and Notre Dame, and I'm no different. Pewaukee has been unbelievable for most of the season and is undefeated against in-state opponents. [player_tooltip player_id='374229' first='Amy' last='Terrian'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448223' first='Anna' last='Terrian'] have been excellent, as they have been in the last two seasons. However, the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='333100' first='Kennedy' last='Retherford'] in the starting group has given the Pirates even more spacing. She's hit some massive shots this season and has been a kid they could rely on. The Pirates' defensive identity comes from one of the best perimeter defenders in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='536013' first='Giselle' last='Janowski']. Her ability to get after some of the best players in the country makes them one of the best teams in the state at creating turnovers at the point of attack.   Grafton went to sectionals last year with most of the same group they had this year a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id='209597' first='Savannah' last='James'] and [player_tooltip player_id='209592' first='Sarah' last='Aleknavicius'] have played together forever and understand each other like the back of their hand. They'll have Goliath on the other sideline in Pewaukee, but they could make things uncomfortable.   S3   After being bumped to D2, West Salem has faired well this postseason, winning regionals easily. [player_tooltip player_id='448247' first='Megan' last='Johnson'] has been excellent again for the Panthers this year, and they'll rely on her to get back to the state tournament, this time is D2.   Onalaska is an older team with kids who understand the Hilltopper system for a while. Sidney Fillback and Claire Pedretti are two versatile 6-foot kids who can give teams fits on both ends of the floor.   McFarland has some pieces back from the Sectional Champions a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id='209598' first='Brynn' last='Kirch'] is back and playing solid basketball at the point of attack, and [player_tooltip player_id='337014' first='Ava' last='Dean'] is still rebounding at an elite level for an undersized forward. However, their success will be determined by how well [player_tooltip player_id='209586' first='Teagan' last='Mallegni'] plays on the offensive end.   Elkhorn beating Monona Grove is a shock. However, [player_tooltip player_id='533068' first='Kyrin' last='Lile'] made a name for herself in high school basketball with the Elks win over Monona Grove. Her ability to affect the game in every way imaginable for the Elks has them in sectionals for the first time in years.   S4   The Red Raiders made it this far last year and will see the same team that knocked them out a year ago. However, these Red Raiders are a year older, have a statement win over Brookfield East, and their roles are more defined than a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id='400915' first='Mikaia' last='Litza'] is one of the best creators in D2 this season, and [player_tooltip player_id='509696' first='Emma' last='Close'] has developed into a knockdown three-point shooter. Another massive plus for the Red Raiders is the extra effort plays that [player_tooltip player_id='766594' first='Audrey' last='Sellinger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='509715' first='Sadie' last='Kubacki'] make.   You can't get more guard-oriented than Pius XI. [player_tooltip player_id='338941' first='Tess' last='Wiczek'] and [player_tooltip player_id='338944' first='Georgia' last='Acompanado'] are two guards who complement each other's skillset well, and having some youth in that backcourt in Chelinda Spector and Marciella Rivera adds some energy. However, the shooting of [player_tooltip player_id='338964' first='Addison' last='Miranda'] will be what mirrors how the Popes play.   Union Grove is back after a trip to the sectional game last year. However, without kids like Sophia Rampulla and Sydney Ludvigson, there'll be struggles this deep into the postseason. However, the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='995793' first='Samantha' last='Hafferkamp'] has been massive for the Mustangs.   Whitnall is a youthful group with a real chance of reaching a Sectional Final. [player_tooltip player_id='654832' first='Riley' last='Ward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='489577' first='Ella' last='Koch'] have been solid in their sophomore seasons and will be called upon to make plays tonight.

Sectional Week has plenty of emotion behind it, good and bad. Eighty teams will play on Thursday night for the right to be one of the 20 teams that make the trip to Green Bay for the State Tournament in their respective divisions. Before we tip-off tonight, I'll have some previews for the large schools (D1 & D2) and small schools (D4 & D3).