D5 Sectional Preview

Today, we'll break down each sectional in every division and discuss what has to go right for each team to reach the Resch Center and what could hold them back from hoisting a Sectional Championship plaque on Saturday. We'll discuss D5, and I'll make my sectional predictions this morning.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 1</h2>   Solon Springs   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   Solon is the final Northern Lights team left in the field. Claire Beernsten has been among the top players in their conference. The Eagles will need her to be at her best again.   What could go wrong?   Usually, the Northern Lights Conference teams underperform because they're typically not as good as the D5 teams to their south, closer to Eau Claire. It's a "prove it" situation.   Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The Dairyland-Small teams have done well this postseason, and Lutheran has outperformed their No. 6 seed. Gabi Radichel will need to continue to generate extra possessions.   What could go wrong?   Since they play solid small schools all year, their record doesn't look outstanding, but once they face the higher-end D5 teams, they'll struggle to do what they're used to doing on both ends of the floor.   Owen-Withee   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The Blackhawks went to a Sectional Semifinal last year. They have plenty of the pieces from that team back this season and get contributions from everyone in their rotation.   What could go wrong?   The final step for them has been the struggle, and the mental hurdle may be the challenge.   Rib Lake   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   Another team from further south. Rib Lake plays solid D4 teams all season. Playing other D5 schools from more remote areas in Northwest Wisconsin makes them look better.   What could go wrong?   Teams with backcourt talent at the D5 level can beat this team, but few D5 programs have that in their toolbox.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 2</h2>   Assumption   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The Royals have traditionally dominated the D5 field and made multiple trips to Green Bay. [player_tooltip player_id='842260' first='Jordyn' last='Jaglinski'], Sarah Shaw, and Anna Schooley are solid D5 trio with a winning formula.   What could go wrong?   A team like Pacelli's with physical jack-of-all-trade guards can frustrate Assumption.   Pacelli   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='876098' first='Jaedyn' last='Zdroik'] is one of the most productive kids in D5. She's on consistent triple-double watch and will be all over the place on Thursday.   What could go wrong?   The Cardinals don't shoot from the perimeter well, so if they get behind, it'll be an uphill battle.   Oneida Nation   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='891645' first='Mariah' last='Cloud'] exploded for 42 points in Oneida Nation's Regional Quarterfinal. Her ability to put the ball in the basket is needed to keep the Oneida run rolling.   What could go wrong?   Outside of Cloud, the offense is inconsistent, and the Marinette & Oconto teams haven't been playing well this postseason.   Sevastopol   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   Naomi Rikkola and Kayla Ranly have done it all for Sevastopol. Their two-way ability is enough to make this group competitive.   What could go wrong?   In a situation where one has to sit, things could go poorly.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 3</h2>   Blair-Taylor   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The Wildcats have some state pedigree. [player_tooltip player_id='842237' first='Andrea' last='Waldera'] played in a D5 title game in 2023. The post does an excellent job defending the paint and making plays with her length. Andi Beck and Sam Aguilar have also improved.   What could go wrong?   The guard play isn't among the elite in D5 and could lead to some turnover issues.   Eleva Strum   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='751245' first='Avery' last='Glenz'] established herself as one of the best kids in D5. She's a physical wing who can play all five spots on the floor. She's led one of the best turnaround stories of the season with the Cardinals.   What could go wrong?   A subpar game for Glenz could end rough.   Barneveld   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='533073' first='Izabel' last='Durst'] may be the best player in D5. She's a scholarship-level kid who can score from all three levels and get past anyone. The Eagles also play an elite D5 schedule in the Six Rivers. Barneveld also has the winningest coach in state history on their sideline.   What could go wrong?   The supporting cast around Durst has been solid, but any drop from them could find themselves chasing a game.   Shullsburg   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='888330' first='McKinley' last='Russell'] is a mismatch whenever she's on the floor. At 5'11, the ability to handle the ball, create, score, and defend multiple positions is something most schools can't handle.   What could go wrong?   Russell has had foul issues, and the team has had offensive struggles sometimes this season, which could make their life difficult in this sectional.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sectional 4</h2>   Sheboygan Lutheran   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The [player_tooltip player_id='374230' first='Addy' last='Verhagen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521329' first='Taylor' last='Brigham'] duo can compete with anyone. The creativity Verhagen has will lead to open looks.   What could go wrong?   Their points don't always come easy, and they could fall in love with perimeter jumpers.   Lourdes Academy   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='448293' first='Hailee' last='Bauer'] can score the ball well at the D5 level. She's been a reliable shooter for the Knights and has experience playing in sectionals in the past few years.   What could go wrong?   Any night Bauer is not at her best against a solid team, the Knights may struggle to score.   Albany/Monticello   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   The four-person lineup of [player_tooltip player_id='448295' first='Abby' last='Hollis']-[player_tooltip player_id='595865' first='Molly' last='Olson']-[player_tooltip player_id='1092830' first='Heidi' last='Olson']-Dalana Trumpy has been dominant in their time together this season. We saw them win a state title last season, and they can do it again in a week.   What could go wrong?   Their shooting has been inconsistent, and if you can limit them to one shot per possession, you can compete with them.   Madison Country Day   Reasons they could go to the state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='992517' first='Zami' last='Gary'] is a talented newcomer who can score the ball at a high level in D5. She's a poised kid who will be solid under pressure, regardless of the situation she finds herself in.   What could go wrong?   It may have been fortunate they were in the regional they were in with a talent like Gary. However, the talent Albany/Monticello brings may be too much.

Today, we'll break down each sectional in every division and discuss what has to go right for each team to reach the Resch Center and what could hold them back from hoisting a Sectional Championship plaque on Saturday. We'll discuss D5, and I'll make my sectional predictions this morning.