Way-Too-Early D3 Predictions

I finished writing on the Champions Classic, so let's return to some high school stuff. The WIAA released Sectional Groupings about two weeks ago, and a lot was said about them, fairly and unfairly. Regardless, I'm releasing my way-too-early predictions for D3 and D4 today.   S1   Winner: Elk Mound   The Mounders have run into talented teams the last handful of seasons but have the tools for a deep run. They've dominated the Dunn-St. Croix Conference since [player_tooltip player_id='448260' first='Ellie' last='Schiszik']'s been on campus, and her ability to score in bunches could be the difference in this sectional. Elk Mound has been knocking on the door for a while, and this may be their chance to get to the Resch Center.    Runner Up: Baldwin-Woodville   There may not have been a more stubborn defensive unit than Baldwin-Woodville a year ago. They only gave up more than 52 points against the eventual D3 champions Edgewood. Their defense will always give them a chance. Hailey Jordt and Maggie Jensen being back also helps keep some continuity.   Regional Winner: Wisconsin Dells   There is enough individual talent to help the Chiefs surprise some people next season. [player_tooltip player_id='598735' first='Natalie' last='Backhaus'] is a talented post-kid who can manipulate defenses in multiple ways, and [player_tooltip player_id='624964' first='Ashiya' last='Hopkins'] has become a reliable scoring option in the Dells' backcourt. The x-factor for this group will be [player_tooltip player_id='659763' first='Natalie' last='Field'] because of her versatility. However, the tools are there.   Regional Winner: Prescott   Whenever a team loses a scholarship-level kid, the void left behind is difficult to fill. However, having a coach back for a third year might bring continuity to a program with three coaches in three years before Coach Hamilton arrived. I'm also curious how [player_tooltip player_id='767790' first='Violet' last='Otto'] handles the uptick in usage this season.   S2   Winner: Xavier   Unfortunately for the Hawks, [player_tooltip player_id='751258' first='Elle' last='Krull'] recently suffered a knee injury that will keep her out for some time. Her status for next season is unknown. However, there are pieces there that should keep them in the conversation. [player_tooltip player_id='766628' first='Brynn' last='Krull'] will hopefully be her old self and playing this season, and her twin, [player_tooltip player_id='766619' first='Joy' last='Krull'], made some plays at state a year ago. Xavier will have to restructure how they play this season but will be among the most talented groups in S2.   Runner Up: Wittenberg-Birnamwood   The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='842221' first='Melaina' last='Granquist'] and [player_tooltip player_id='842241' first='Rory' last='Salvesen'] have improved over the past two seasons. Those two had the Chargers a game away from the state tournament last year. Last season, I felt the Wittenberg-Birnamwood and Xavier decision was easy. However, this year, it's closer to a toss-up.   Regional Winner: Freedom   For people who look for continuity in their list of contenders, Freedom is your pick. The Irish didn't lose much after they lost nearly all their production with their 2023 class. The Irish have a balanced group with half a dozen kids who can hurt defenses on any night. They're a sneaky contender to get out of this sectional.   Regional Winner: Chilton   Translating individual success in AAU to team success in high school isn't a one-to-one translation. However, [player_tooltip player_id='434024' first='Adahlyn' last='Hoerl'] could record some silly stat lines this season, and she did last season. In Hoerl's sophomore year, she essentially went 20pts, 10rebs, and 5asts. She's playing excellent basketball and could lead her team further than expected.   S3   Winner: Laconia   The reigning D4 champions move up to D3 and take Edgewood's place in their sectional. The Spartans have their 2025 class back for one more year but lost their size in Callista VandeBerg. However, I bet there won't be many people betting against their 2025 class of [player_tooltip player_id='342096' first='Tierney' last='Madigan'], [player_tooltip player_id='448258' first='Payton' last='Morgan'], [player_tooltip player_id='375953' first='Aubrey' last='Leonard'], [player_tooltip player_id='877430' first='Eva' last='Engel'], and Molly Duel to get their third state title on their way out.   Runner Up: Edgerton   The Crimson Tide has a talented backcourt in [player_tooltip player_id='914989' first='Claudia' last='Jenny'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533071' first='Marti' last='Rebman']. Those two will be good enough to make some noise next season in their conference again and to reach the second weekend of the postseason. It won't be easy to earn a trip to state, but their guard play gives them a chance.   Regional Winner: Brodhead   I worry that losing kids like [player_tooltip player_id='368845' first='Addison' last='Yates'] changes the ceiling of this group. However, I will bet on [player_tooltip player_id='509483' first='Allie' last='Dahl'] to make things work this season. She plays hard and flies all over the floor on both ends.   Regional Winner: Winnebago Lutheran Academy   WLA has lost its fair share of talent. However, being a program that's been competitive for a while, I'm guessing they'll have some kids step up into more prominent roles this season.   S4   Winner: Oostburg   Last year, it felt like the Dutch let an opportunity slip against Dominican because they were arguably the best team in that sectional. However, they will add one of the top 2028s in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='880796' first='Kinsley' last='Ketterhagen']. The next Ketterhagen in line has made some noise in the AAU scene over the past few years and could be the most talented of the three at Oostburg next season. The twins will also play prominent roles in this iteration of Oostburg's success.   Runner Up: Milwaukee Academy of Science   Talent always finds its way to MAS. Last year wasn't different. Ariel Allen and [player_tooltip player_id='743735' first='Kourtlyn' last='Guy'] have the talent to become scholarship-level players. The hope is that with [player_tooltip player_id='448262' first='Jaeda' last='Turner'] entering her senior season, her leadership at the point of attack can get the Novas back to Green Bay.   Regional Winner: Kettle Moraine Lutheran   The main cast of characters is back for KML. [player_tooltip player_id='448257' first='Makenzie' last='Luehring'] and [player_tooltip player_id='448261' first='Madeline' last='Leffel'] will enter their senior season looking to right the wrongs of the previous state tournament. The Chargers always have scrappy guard play, and with an offensive force like Luehring, they could get back to the last four.   Regional Winner: St. Thomas More   They are an up-and-down group but don't forget the Cavaliers took D2 Sectional Champ Wauwatosa East to the brink last season. The talent is there for kids like [player_tooltip player_id='624974' first='Zoë' last='Dispennette'], [player_tooltip player_id='842243' first='Hanna' last='Bultman'], and Mia Bennati. That's a core group of kids with balance and experience. Keep an eye on this group.

I finished writing on the Champions Classic, so let's return to some high school stuff. The WIAA released Sectional Groupings about two weeks ago, and a lot was said about them, fairly and unfairly. Regardless, I'm releasing my way-too-early predictions for D3 and D4 today.