My Predictions for D1 Sectional 3

Today, we wrap up my D1 predictions for Sectionals Three and Four for the 24-25 season. Both Sectionals could create new household names this season, so let's not waste any time and get into it.   Sectional Three produced last season's D1 state champion Arrowhead, who will be the favorite to punch their ticket to the Resch Center out of this sectional again in 2025. However, it probably won't be as straightforward as you'd expect.   Regional Champion: Kettle Moraine   The 2024-25 season will be the final season with kids who played prominent minutes in either of the Lasers' back-to-back state championships.   [player_tooltip player_id='602360' first='Keegan' last='Lodes'], [player_tooltip player_id='338955' first='Lola' last='Bond'], and [player_tooltip player_id='767268' first='Emily' last='Gomez'] all played minutes that night in Green Bay and will head into their senior seasons, likely feeling they left something on the table last season.   Kettle Moraine pushed a solid Oregon team to the brink but couldn't get over the hump in overtime. Now they'll have some more firepower heading into 24-25. Keegan's younger sister, [player_tooltip player_id='992511' first='Quinn' last='Lodes'], is an accomplished shooter who can play off the more ball-dominant players and give the Lasers more spacing than they had last season.   There's more youth talent in their program who can play roles, namely [player_tooltip player_id='751267' first='Lauren' last='Kowalski'], who could add depth to this roster.   Regional Champion: Waunakee   The Warriors were a team that piqued my interest in the summer before the 23-24 season. They played a fast, disruptive, and fluid style of basketball that dominated their summer league.   [player_tooltip player_id='751287' first='Tessa' last='Bryan'] is a kid who can set the tone of a game. Her speed and relentlessness gave teams headaches in her first season, and she'll continue improving over the next three seasons. She's scoring guard at her core, but can read defenses when she gets downhill and makes the correct reads.   Pairing with [player_tooltip player_id='533066' first='Audrey' last='Meudt'] in the Waunakee backcourt complements each other's games, which should mesh well over the next two seasons.   Their frontcourt also looks more talented, with [player_tooltip player_id='874384' first='Keira' last='Van Wie'] and a healthy [player_tooltip player_id='509699' first='Graycin' last='Phillips'] playing inside and out. Their versatility is the key to how dynamic the Warrior offense could be this season.   Sectional Runner-Up: Vel Phillips Memorial   Another team that pushed then-undefeated Oregon to the brink was the top public school in Madison.   With some of their additions last season and internal development, the Spartans had an identity on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='844275' first='Princess' last='Nwachukwu'] anchored a solid defense for Memorial. Their backcourt with kids like [player_tooltip player_id='1039243' first='Kennedi' last='Harden'], [player_tooltip player_id='533075' first='Avery' last='Blue'], and [player_tooltip player_id='632853' first='Nevaeh' last='Jackson'] gave them some dynamic playmaking.   The Spartans were balanced from top to bottom and showed their mettle in the postseason, after some learning lessons during the season, but played their best basketball in the postseason.   All those kids I mentioned before are back, and Ni'Kera Martin is another name to watch with this group. They want to take that next step, and I believe they can.   Sectional Champion: Arrowhead   It took a few years for the Warhawks to get over the hump and into the state tournament, but when they got there, they made it count.   [player_tooltip player_id='533057' first='Natalie' last='Kussow'] is a nationally recognized athlete, and for good reason. She's been one of the best players in the state since stepping foot on Arrowhead's campus. However, she's got plenty of talent running with her.   Her backcourt mates, [player_tooltip player_id='533069' first='Presly' last='Samz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='533082' first='Libby' last='Gilmore'], played pivotal roles in last season's title-winning campaign. Although Gilmore will be rehabbing her injury all season, people around the state respect what she brings to the floor.   After that, some kids may have played but haven't played the minutes others have, and we'll need to see how they assimilate. For instance, [player_tooltip player_id='751284' first='Sidney' last='Zehner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='509719' first='Teresa' last='Kescenovitz'] have the talent but will have some learning curve. [player_tooltip player_id='1039221' first='Addison' last='Pommerening'] has shown flashes in the summer and fall league for Arrowhead, but she's new, and [player_tooltip player_id='764907' first='Ellyana' last='Petersen'] also falls into that same boat. However, as long as there aren't any snags, a transfer from out of state should give the Warhawks a massive lift heading into the season.

Today, we wrap up my D1 predictions for Sectionals Three and Four for the 24-25 season. Both Sectionals could create new household names this season, so let's not waste any time and get into it.