Predicting Division 1 Sectional 3 in August

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Usually, I get to predictions well before this time of year and have something posted around sectionals. However, because they were posted so late due to rule changes, and because of my schedule at the time they were originally posted, I couldn't do this sooner. That said, today, we're starting to predict what the results of this sectional could look like well before the season starts, and we'll see how right or wrong I am come February and March. We'll dive a little deeper into my picks as we move along through the divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sleeper Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arrowhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warhawks have been to the state tournament in each of the last three seasons and have won two gold balls in that span. However, Head Coach Ron Reichle has a new-look team with a handful of talented players playing scholarship basketball at the next level. The good news is that the cupboard isn't empty for Arrowhead. [player_tooltip player_id='751284' first='Sidney' last='Zehner'] had an impressive junior season and has the skill set to be more of a focal point of the Warhawk offense. [player_tooltip player_id='843757' first='Karina' last='Klemz'] has also made winning plays in high-profile games since moving to Wisconsin from California. I have also liked what Elly Petersen has done in a smaller role, and think she could be effective in extended minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Janesville Craig</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sneakily, the Cougars have one of the more talented duos in the state with junior [player_tooltip player_id='917003' first='Yana-Aaliyah' last='Stevens'] and Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='877660' first='Destinii' last='Green']. Those two players are capable of doing anything on the offensive end of the floor, and there may not be many teams who have two players who could cover them one-on-one. Last season was a bit up and down for them, but their highlight win came against Verona on a neutral floor, which showed what this group could look like over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Regional Champions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madison La Follette</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No matter what team the Lancers come up against this season, they will have the best player on the floor in uber-talented wing Nyjuacni Riak. Her ability to do whatever she wants on either end of the floor at any time can swing a game in La Follette's campaign. I also think the depth of talent in the program is much better than what it was a season ago. Multiple newcomers will compete for minutes this season, and that depth could be the difference in the postseason for the Lancers. Also, having two players in [player_tooltip player_id='888035' first='Jacela' last='Fields'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1229695' first='Ndey' last='Cham'] who had their moments last season and played grassroots basketball throughout the spring and summer could be game changers for Head Coach Will Green.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waunakee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors have been on the cusp of reaching the state tournament these past few seasons, and this could be the season they get over the hump. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='751287' first='Tessa' last='Bryan'] is a dynamic creator who can get downhill and put pressure on any defense she plays against. I also think her willingness to dig and rebound could be more important than the points she puts on the board. The other piece to keep an eye on with this group will be rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1216145' first='Nora' last='Meudt']. She played a role that her team needed last season, but she has the physical tools to be a productive two-way player, and that will be something this group needs to get the most out of their season. Head Coach Marcus Richter also has a talented youngster who will likely see some early minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Verona</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Lexy Richardson has earned plenty of plaudits for her ability to get the most out of her team since taking over at Verona. She had a fairly experienced group last season, but does return [player_tooltip player_id='992508' first='Macy' last='Stremlow'], who was the Wildcats' leading scorer. Stremlow is a versatile wing/forward who can post a double-double anytime she steps on the floor. I also think that [player_tooltip player_id='1049239' first='Noelle' last='Rauwolf'], who will play soccer at the next level, has been one of the more underrated guards around the state the last few seasons. Her ability to run the Verona offense and take care of the ball will be valuable when they run into some of the teams in this sectional who want to speed teams up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kettle Moraine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lasers will have one of the youngest core groups of players around the state, but they showed flashes of what they could be last season. Head Coach Adam Stranc brings back all five of last season's leading scorers, and all but one were underclassmen. [player_tooltip player_id='992511' first='Quinn' last='Lodes'] had a breakout sophomore campaign, excelled as a scorer, and handled being the first name on a scouting report well. She's also coming off an impressive grassroots season. I also like the energy that players like [player_tooltip player_id='1307706' first='Tenley' last='Neal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1744772' first='Edynn' last='Lauters'] bring to the floor in their minutes on both ends. Regardless of whether shots are falling or not, this will not be a team people enjoy playing against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sectional Runner-Up: </strong>Waunakee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Sectional Champion</strong>: Madison La Follette</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->