Predicting D1 Sectional 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional Four used to boast back-to-back State champions before Kettle Moraine moved to Sectional Three. Last season, this sectional had little respect around D1, and it's up to them to make some noise to change that perception. Let's meet who could be the one to attempt that at state this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Regional Champion: Oak Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some injuries played a role. However, if you asked everyone around the Knights' program, they'd probably say they could've achieved more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not having a physical presence like [player_tooltip player_id='465922' first='Megan' last='Geason'] or [player_tooltip player_id='888659' first='Jenna' last='Kuehn'] was a massive blow to what they could've been. Having a rough night on the road against Tremper is uncommon for an Oak Creek program that dominated the Southeast Conference for a decade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I may be underrating them as only a regional champion. Returning some of their experience from kids like [player_tooltip player_id='815502' first='Savannah' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='883872' first='Ava' last='Heritage'] gives them plenty to work with in the Southeast Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Regional Champion: Westosha Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes, I have to keep them simple. [player_tooltip player_id='888387' first='Lana' last='Mannetter'] is the most talented kid in this sectional, and I don't think it's that close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'0 wing could hit a wall and struggle with older players, but the talent is so overwhelming I can't bet against it. At any time, she could will the Falcons to win they otherwise wouldn't have.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some kids are in place that can play a role on a team that makes a run, like [player_tooltip player_id='888903' first='Cardin' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='875003' first='Keara' last='Griffin'], but Mannetter could be the piece that ties everything together and surprises people in the Southern Lakes and this sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional Runner-Up: Kenosha Bradford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I hope people realize how close Bradford got to the state tournament last season. They were an overtime period away from beating Franklin in a Sectional Semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils are legit and have the talent to get over the hump. [player_tooltip player_id='914325' first='Iyanna' last='Green'], A'nise Keys, and Rihana Barker are kids who complement each other and won't get outworked when they're on the floor. Any time a team like theirs gets on the floor and earns more hustle points, they're not easy to beat when that clock starts ticking late in the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Devils also don't have to play aesthetically pleasing basketball. They'll beat teams by any means necessary, and not everyone can do that in this sectional.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sectional Champion: Muskego</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have a hard time betting against teams who were as close as it gets to a state tournament. The Warriors dropped a nail-biter to Franklin in the sectional title game last season and have almost everyone back this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='528116' first='Autumn' last='Dibb'] is a do-it-all wing who can play almost any role and will be the emotional leader for this team this season. Her competitiveness is something that her teammates feed off, and in a season where their senior class wants to make a statement, Dibb is the best kid for that role and should have a solid season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='528122' first='Melena' last='Glysch'] is another kid who'll play with a chip on her shoulder as a senior and could make an impact for the Warriors this season. Pairing her with someone like Dibb creates a physical environment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having other talents in [player_tooltip player_id='842235' first='Mallory' last='Glysch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='884001' first='Cassidy' last='Hemauer'] provides perimeter shooting and floor spacing for kids like Dibb and [player_tooltip player_id='528122' first='Melena' last='Glysch'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->