Previewing Sectional 3 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. 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>Wauwatosa East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders saw most of their rotation graduate, and most are playing basketball at the next level. However, pieces are returning that will make Tosa East a tough out in this sectional. [player_tooltip player_id='992492' first='Ellie' last='Pudelko'] took a significant step forward last season and was an integral figure for a program that was among the Midwest's best. The ceiling of this group will be decided by how well the rest of the roster develops outside of Pudelko. [player_tooltip player_id='1221987' first='Amarea' last='Dantzler'] and Khloe Eimmerman will be two players who could take a step forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westosha Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons were without [player_tooltip player_id='888387' first='Lana' last='Mannetter'] last season due to a knee injury, and were 4-14 at the end of January. However, that group found their groove late and beat two Classic Eight teams to reach sectionals as a 13 seed, which we may not see again. Keiara Griffin and Lilah Longerie are back for their senior seasons and have experience winning postseason games. With Mannetter back, I'd argue they have the best player on the floor in any game in this sectional. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mukwonago</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mukwonago ran into a talented Arrowhead group last season, but moved into Sectional Four this winter. [player_tooltip player_id='1232213' first='Peyton' last='Cochenet'] is a talented do-it-all wing who will play a significant role this season and be leaned on more than she was a season ago after her fellow frontcourtmate graduated. There is plenty to replace from last season's rotation, but there is a lot to like about what this group could do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark Horses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights were fixtures at the top of the Southeastern Conference before joining the Classic Eight. Oak Creek has a coaching staff that gets the most out of their talent and could find themselves competing in the postseason again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Muskego</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors' defense is unique, and playing mostly against programs outside of the Classic Eight in this sectional could cause issues for other teams. Last season didn't end as they hoped, I'm sure, but I expect this group to be a tough out in February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->