One Thing to Watch For in Each Small School Sectional Final

Tomorrow, there will be 40 games played around the state of Wisconsin for the right to be one of four teams in each division to earn a berth in the 50th annual WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament. I could probably dive into the very specific details in each game to watch, and other factors that could influence every Sectional Final. However, in the interest of time, for myself and you, the reader, I will highlight one thing to watch in each of the Sectional Final matchups, and why it could be a pivotal factor in how the game plays out.   Division 3   No. 1 St. Croix Central vs. No. 3 Mosinee   Mosinee's Youth   Mosinee has been led by two underclassmen this season, and they have been on a heater since the turn of the calendar. Paetyn Jirschele and [player_tooltip player_id='874409' first='Pacyn' last='Stoffel'] will be the ones who can swing this game in their favor.   No. 1 Edgerton vs. No. 2 Wisconsin Dells   Are Wisconsin Dells a Team of Destiny   The senior class has been through a lot on and off the floor since they first stepped on the floor, but everything seems to be falling into place for the Chiefs to pull off the unthinkable, just a few years ago, and potentially compete for a Gold Ball.   No. 1 Oostburg vs. No. 2 Winneconne   Winneconne's Defense   The Wolves have enough offensive talent to score the ball enough to make this game competitive. However, if they can't slow down Oostburg, it won't matter because that team is a different beast. If they can string stops together early, they could make that game less comfortable than the general public may think.   No. 1 Kettle Moraine Lutheran vs. No. 1 Milwaukee Academy of Science   MAS' Interior Defense   The Lady Novas have the athletes to get up and down the floor with the Chargers. However, I expect KML to involve Mayer early and often, and if they can figure out how to limit her influence around the rim, they'll have a chance to win that one.   Division 4   No. 2 Cameron vs. No. 2 Neillsville   Neillsville's Stability   The Warriors do the same things they've always done, but they keep working. They have the talent in their program to execute their stuff on both ends of the floor. The key for Cameron will be to try and unsettle Neillsville and get them out of the rhythm they've had since their lone loss of the season against Regis   No. 1 St. Mary Catholic vs. No. 3 Kewaunee   Kewaunee's Rebounding   [player_tooltip player_id='751240' first='Autumn' last='Crowe'] will crash the glass on both ends of the floor. A massive key for the Storm will be to limit the Zephyrs to one possession; they'll be fighting an uphill battle all night.   No. 1 Pardeeville vs. No. 2 Albany/Monticello   Pardeeville's Size   Albany/Monticello is guard-oriented, but has had success against larger teams, like Deerfield yesterday. However, having a player like [player_tooltip player_id='874583' first='Bronte' last='Hulberg'] handling the ball could cause some issues for A/M, something to keep an eye on is how they choose to defend her.   No. 3 Lomira vs. No. 2 Kenosha St. Joe's   The Lancers' Defense   Lomira's main threat is [player_tooltip player_id='992499' first='Josie' last='Christian'], and I'm sure St. Joe's is well aware of that. How she plays and performs will likely tell you how this game went.   Division 5   No. 1 Webster vs. No. 1 Eleva-Strum   Pace   Eleva-Strum wants to play an up-tempo style of basketball, and most schools in Division 5 can't keep up. I'd assume Webster wants to slow it down. The pace of the game will be a tell of how this will turn out.   No. 1 Independence/Gilmanton vs. No. 3 Barneveld   [player_tooltip player_id='533073' first='Izabel' last='Durst']'s Involvement   Barneveld will give the keys of the offense to Durst, like they always do, but if she has a massive hand in how this game goes, it'll be a long night for Independence/Gilmanton. A big [player_tooltip player_id='533073' first='Izabel' last='Durst'] game is bad news for any D5 team the Eagles line up against.   No. 1 Florence vs. No. 1 Pacelli   Florence's Defense   Pacelli is one of the more talented teams in D5, and they're playing with house money after sneaking past Columbus Catholic. They can run the score up as well as anyone, and the Bobcats will need to keep the Cardinals' offense at bay to give themselves a shot in this game.   No. 3 Lourdes Academy vs. No. 2 Fall River   Fall River's Duo   Lourdes Academy is a team that plays solid teams all season. However, the [player_tooltip player_id='874589' first='Natalie' last='Fietz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1242892' first='Emma' last='Sampson'] duo could cause issues for Lourdes Academy because of their physicality. If Fall River wins this game, it will be due to Fietz and Samspon.

Tomorrow, there will be 40 games played around the state of Wisconsin for the right to be one of four teams in each division to earn a berth in the 50th annual WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament. I could probably dive into the very specific details in each game to watch, and other factors that could influence every Sectional Final. However, in the interest of time, for myself and you, the reader, I will highlight one thing to watch in each of the Sectional Final matchups, and why it could be a pivotal factor in how the game plays out.