Previewing Sectional 2 in Division 2

<!-- 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. After we finish up previewing each sectional, I'll make my predictions in each division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favorites</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edgewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders took a slight step back last year and missed the state tournament for the first time since the 2022-23 season. However, they have two talented seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='764918' first='Anna' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='914983' first='Beanie' last='Thompson'], who have played in high-pressure games and know how to win postseason games at the highest level. Each of those two seniors is a D1 commit who will move on to Wisconsin and Bradley at the next level, respectively. The ceiling of this group will depend on how the supporting cast develops around those two. There is enough to make a run at a gold ball this season, but they will need more from the players around their main duo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Milton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Hawks upset Edgewood in the postseason last season and have plenty of talent back this coming winter. [player_tooltip player_id='881307' first='Kylee' last='Buttchen'] is a reliable source of offense, and they got a solid season out of [player_tooltip player_id='879894' first='Mady' last='Vind'] this past winter and could take another step after a productive summer with [program_tooltip program_id='1230720' first='Team' last='Herro']. I also like what I've seen from [player_tooltip player_id='884030' first='Aubrey' last='Klug'], who will be an integral part of the Milton backcourt after Nayeli Kilen graduated this past spring. Milton will be a hard-working group who will make every game difficult for anyone who lines up against them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beaver Dam</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Golden Beavers were a possession or two away from one of the most improbable comeback wins in a State Championship we may have ever seen. Now, most of those players have moved on, but some pieces can make this team competitive this winter. Lucy Gonzalez is a player who excelled in her role last season and will be valuable as a leader within their program this winter. Joelee Drzonek is also a player who had an excellent showing at the State Tournament in Green Bay and will be needed to take a step forward for Beaver Dam this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark Horses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DeForest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Norskies had a group of juniors this past season who will have as much experience as anyone heading into 2026-27. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='914978' first='Alexis' last='Accuardi'] and Brinley Goninen have been impressive performers for DeForest and will get one last run this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Onalaska</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hilltoppers are a little different than most programs in this sectional. There is plenty of Madison area flair, and they are one of the La Crosse-area programs in Sectional Two. Onalaska also has a talented rising sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1744831' first='Kayla' last='Ketelhut'], who could take a significant step forward in the next 12 months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->