My D2 Sectional Four Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we tie a bow on the mess in D2 and predict the final two sectionals. Most likely, the state champion this year comes out of one of these two sectionals, but let's discuss my regional champs, sectional runner-ups, and sectional champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Sectional Four, particularly its top half, was a bloodbath. Four teams could each other on any night, and two had to go home before sectionals. We'll see that same scenario this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Regional Champion: Union Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos have undergone some changes in their previous few seasons. Sophia Rampulla and others from their talented 2023 class are gone, but they've reorganized.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='995793' first='Samantha' last='Hafferkamp'] became a reliable focal point for what the Broncos did on the offensive end of the floor. That formula led to another Southern Lakes crown and another trip to a Sectional Title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashley Lamers and Camryn Smith each found their footing in the Broncos rotation. Each was among program leaders in most statistical categories last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their success should continue into the second weekend of the postseason in 2024-25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Regional Champion: Pius XI</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Popes will have another group dictated by their guard play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='338941' first='Tess' last='Wiczek'] and [player_tooltip player_id='338944' first='Georgia' last='Acompanado'] are two scholarship-level kids who know what it takes to win games against teams they'll compete against. [player_tooltip player_id='338964' first='Addison' last='Miranda'] is one of the more talented off-ball guards, and her shooting can put Pius over the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The player I'm curious about is [player_tooltip player_id='917718' first='Vonna' last='Shill']. The 5'5 newcomer may be the best athlete and add more athleticism to their roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The more the Popes can get out and run in transition, the better and more dangerous they'll be in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional Runner-Ups: Whitnall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, the Falcons came up short against Union Grove, but they can get their revenge this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='654832' first='Riley' last='Ward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='489577' first='Ella' last='Koch'] are a year older and have more experience, along with the heartbreak of being that close to a sectional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward is good at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim with her quick first step and ability to attack open spaces in the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koch has the physicality to control the area around the basket on both ends of the floor. She's the one whose play is the best barometer of success for Whitnall the further they get in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional Champions: Wauwatosa East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have a difficult time betting against the Red Raiders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='400915' first='Mikaia' last='Litza'], [player_tooltip player_id='509715' first='Sadie' last='Kubacki'], and [player_tooltip player_id='509696' first='Emma' last='Close'] have proven to be a productive backcourt trio and already won this sectional last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Litza is the dynamic, creative presence with the ball in her hands. Close spaces the floor with her shooting, and Kubacki can chase around talented guards and make their lives miserable for an hour and a half. Those three work together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders frontcourt will have a new look with [player_tooltip player_id='528123' first='Makenzie' last='Hawk']. A Hawk and [player_tooltip player_id='766594' first='Audrey' last='Sellinger'] have plenty of balance, and Hawk's physicality will allow Sellinger to defend fours and stay away from some talented post kids they may run into.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also, keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1039251' first='Lyndia' last='Kalumbula'] and [player_tooltip player_id='878744' first='Malaya' last='Taylor']'s defensive minutes off the bench.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->