Division 5 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>Eleva-Strum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals are the No. 1 seed and are making their second state tournament as a program; their previous trip came in 2008. Coach Dave Hauzga has been at the helm over the last few seasons and has led one of the most impressive turnarounds I've seen in a program without major roster changes. The junior class won five games in their first season, and lost seven games here the last two seasons, and are undefeated heading into the state tournament at 29-0. If Eleva-Strum were to win the state championship Saturday morning, they'd complete the first undefeated season in Wisconsin High School Girls' Basketball since Mineral Point won the D4 title in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pacelli</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The No. 2-seeded Cardinals are playing in their first state tournament in program history, and they've been knocking on the door for a trip to the Resch Center since this junior class began their high school careers. I have also highlighted over the past week, but this Pacelli team is playing with house money heading into the State Tournament. For all intents and purposes, this team should have lost in the Regional Title Game. However, they've used their lifeline well and played freely in their sectional games, winning both games by more than 20 points, and are playing as freely as anyone heading in Green Bay this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Barneveld</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reigning D5 runner-ups are back at the state tournament, making their 13th state tournament in program history, aiming for their seventh state championship. Coach Jim Meyers is the all-time winningest coach in girls basketball history in Wisconsin, and has the Eagles punching above their weight again in the 2025-26 season. The No. 3 seed in the D5 bracket has more experience than anyone in this bracket and will not be shy of the moment once they get on the floor. The Eagles have already beaten one of the favorites in the D5 field in Argyle/Pecantonica in a Sectional Semifinal, and they know how to win in multiple fashions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fall River</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The No. 4 seed in the bracket is Fall River, making its fourth appearance at the State Tournament, first since 2019, and is still seeking its first win at the state tournament. The Pirates emerged from the least challenging sectional in D5, but have ways to give opposing teams fits. Fall River finished third in the Trailways-East and lost to Lourdes Academy to end the season, but defeated the Knights in the Sectional Final to reach this point. It also helps that the Pirates have a pair of seniors they trust to make plays around the basket on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->