Previewing Sectional 2 in Division 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The grassroots season for me is over, and I'm shifting my attention towards the 2026-27 WIAA Girls Basketball Season. I haven't had much time to look at the new sectionals over the past month, so as I start previewing sectionals, I will be taking a deep dive into each field for the first time. That said, let's look at the fields in each division and sectional for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favorites</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Appleton East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional Two has plenty of unknowns, and the Patriots are the one team with their entire core back this season. [player_tooltip player_id='749048' first='Ella' last='Sweeney'] has been an efficent source of offense in her time at East and has been one of the most consistent perimeter threats in Wisconsin. [player_tooltip player_id='992484' first='Ambria' last='Fischer'] earned a prominent role this past season, and did a little of everything on both ends of the floor while being one of the best perimeter defenders in the FVA. They also have another reliable 2028 in [player_tooltip player_id='904623' first='Emilia' last='MontMarquette'], who is capable of thriving in any role she's given and helping her team win on the margins. There is a lot to like about the continuity and success they've had in the past few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pewaukee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates had an experienced group last season, and that 2026 group was integral to the Pirates' success over the past few years. However, there is plenty of talent hanging around the Pirates' program. Pewaukee will have a plethora of underclassmen looking to make their mark this season, with players like [player_tooltip player_id='1361656' first='Peace' last='Petzold'] and Kyleigh Grass looking to make an impact in their sophomore seasons. Also, having a glue player like [player_tooltip player_id='888382' first='Eva' last='Denzien'] back from injury this season should give this team a boost as they attempt to make another run to the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hartford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Orioles have as many unknowns as anyone this season, but they have a player who could swing any game she plays in. [player_tooltip player_id='751281' first='Rita' last='Kuepper'] has the tools to go on a heater and help her team win any game she plays in. I also like how well she's grown as a defender. [player_tooltip player_id='751236' first='Alexis' last='Shelsta'] is a player who made a significant impact late in the season and can score in bunches. She's also a player who puts herself in positions to be successful on both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neenah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets will have a new look this season and will likely be led in scoring by [player_tooltip player_id='732637' first='Sydney' last='Michalkiewicz'] and Farah Danforth. Those two did well in their roles last season alongside a talented backcourt. I also like what they've shown in the grassroots seasons and how well they've grown as players in the past year. Other players like [player_tooltip player_id='1230665' first='Alissa' last='Ebel'] will have roles to play, and as is tradition, I'm sure more players will grow into rotational roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brookfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The way the Spartans defend in their 2-3 zone will always give her team a chance to compete against the elite programs around Wisconsin. [player_tooltip player_id='747942' first='Josie' last='Piurkowski'] will likely lead the team in scoring, and she'll be needed to help her team go on some scoring runs. Others like [player_tooltip player_id='889268' first='Maria' last='Pluemer'] and Avery Mantei will also be needed offensively at times. However, the activity, length, and athleticism this group possesses will be tested against multiple programs who have made deep postseason runs in the not-too-distant past.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark Horses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DSHA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dashers were a power in the state and won a sectional crown five years ago. Since then, DSHA has lost its way in the grand scheme of things. We'll see how much things change this season, but they will have one of the more talented underclass groups in the state who could grow together over the next few seasons. Simply something to note, if nothing else. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oshkosh North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans have one of the most talented senior wings in the state who can be a difference-maker in any game she plays. [player_tooltip player_id='751246' first='Awut' last='Alic'] is a player who can do anything on the floor and has helped her team pull off upsets in conference in the past. I like what they have built there, but it could be now or never for North this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->