Division 2 State Tournament Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The State Tournament fields are set for all five divisions, and we know each team's path to win a Gold Ball. Over the next five days, we will preview every bracket and talk about each team participating in the 50th annual WIAA State Tournament. We're starting with the smaller schools and working our way to the larger schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rice Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors are playing in their second State Tournament in program history. Rice Lake is also playing in its second consecutive State Tournament, behind a unique frontcourt duo that gives the Warriors their identity. No matter who this team has matched up against this season, they have won the battle on the boards with authority, and may be the best rebounding team in Wisconsin. Nobody can overcome a bad shooting game and have a hope to win a game, besides Rice Lake, because they've made a habit of winning the battle on the boards by 20 every game. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing style of basketball, but it's led to over 40 wins over the past few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitefish Bay</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blue Dukes are playing in the ninth State Tournament in program history, and are still searching for their first State Championship. They have been in the toughest D2 Sectional over the past few years, and would be the best argument for the WIAA Competitive Balance Rules. Whitefish Bay is also led by a stable of talented guards who can make plays from the perimeter with the ball in their hands. It is also a team that can score quickly and flip a game on its head.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elkhorn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elkhorn is playing in its second State Tournament in program history. They're also seeking to add a second State Championship to sit next to its D2 State Title from 1997. The Elks have a group of upperclass talent who have played together for years, and play off each other well. They have grown as a team over the past two or three seasons and have an opportunity to cap off their run with a Gold Ball. Few teams will be as cohesive a unit as this team in Green Bay. It should also help that the local UWGB fans will get to see a member of their 2026 class at the Resch Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beaver Dam</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Golden Beavers won three State Championships in the 2010s and may have been the program of the 2010s. However, this is only their seventh trip to the State Tournament. The Golden Beavers are another team that has played together for some time and find ways to win games, even when they aren't at their best. Beaver Dam has challenged itself over the course of the season in their non-conference schedule and in the Badger-Large. The senior group, who have been on the cusp of reaching the Resch the last few seasons, could end their high school careers with a Gold Ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->