Predicting Division 2 Sectional 3 in September

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.   Sleeper Teams   Grafton   Of all the teams in D2 I have in the 'sleeper teams' category, Grafton is probably the best of that bunch. They return their core players from last season's 20-plus-win campaign, and only lost to a state runner-up. [player_tooltip player_id='769179' first='Cali' last='Tagliapietra'] has grown into a leader for the Black Hawks and has the athletic tools to be one of the more dynamic guards in this sectional. [player_tooltip player_id='1099058' first='Ava' last='Dotson'] has developed well over the past few seasons and become a well-rounded two-way player. [player_tooltip player_id='751272' first='Melanie' last='Morgan'] has also added to her game and become one of the more physical perimeter players around. However, I think [player_tooltip player_id='883074' first='Liliana' last='Verplancke'] could be the difference maker, solely because her size, physicality, and athleticism aren't something anyone else on this team has. I also think the perimeter shooting of [player_tooltip player_id='751249' first='Brynlee' last='Hildebrand'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1221992' first='Aubry' last='Mangan'] could prove pivotal.   Sheboygan South   The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1377753' first='Evelyn' last='Nienhuis'] and Lily Herber are what will take this team as far as they can this winter. Nienhuis did well in her first season of high school basketball and handled being the focal point of her team's offense well. Herber, on the other hand, is a physical interior player who has to control the paint to give the Redwings a chance to win at the highest level.   Regional Champions   Kettle Moraine Lutheran   The Chargers will come into this season with a sour taste in their mouths after dropping a state semifinal game against Wisconsin Dells, where they feel they didn't play their best basketball. Their talented core is all back this season, after most of them had success together in the grassroots circuit. [player_tooltip player_id='931583' first='Brooklyn' last='Luehring'] has grown into one of the top two-way guards in the state, and [player_tooltip player_id='932119' first='Mya' last='Mayer'] has come into her own as a post player for KML. However, the player who has routinely been a part of winning basketball is [player_tooltip player_id='751259' first='Hayden' last='Lauer']. No matter the situation, she always finds a way to help her team compete. I also love how all the kids on this team play; they fly around the floor and never let up on the defensive end.   Oostburg   The Lady Dutch are coming off back-to-back D3 State Titles and are in D2 because of competitive balance. Numerous key players from last season graduated, and this team will look much different. However, [player_tooltip player_id='880796' first='Kinsley' last='Ketterhagen'] is back and will be the focal point of this team's offense, and she could take her game to another level and even surprise some people with how productive she can be with more shots. The other name to keep tabs on is [player_tooltip player_id='1359856' first='Soraya' last='Benton']. She did well in her role last winter, but I will be curious how she handles a more prominent role. Regardless of what happens, there are still players with winning characteristics they've gotten over the past few years.   Whitefish Bay   The Blue Dukes are coming off a D2 State Title and have most of their rotation back from last year's championship-winning team. Not having Sage Miskel around will sting; her motor and physicality were indispensable for Whitefish Bay last winter. However, having backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='751283' first='Rowan' last='Counsell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1228363' first='Madeline' last='Volpe'], and [player_tooltip player_id='751252' first='Carrington' last='Balthasar'] isn't something people will complain about. The other notable thing for the Blue Dukes is that they will have a new coach, which could lead to this group playing differently than a season ago, but only time will tell.   Nicolet   The Knights had a decent season last year and have some pieces to build with this winter, including rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1879156' first='Aaliyah' last='Campbell']. Nicolet was more competitive than I expected last season and has some momentum heading into this winter. The sectional maps put this group in a favorable position and could lead to them being a second-weekend team, which would be cool to see for them, but they have a chance to take a notable step forward this season.   Sectional Runner-Up: Whitefish Bay   Sectional Champion: Kettle Moraine Lutheran

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.