Previewing Sectional 4 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>Wisconsin Lutheran</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have been on the cusp of breaking through the past few years, but injuries have kept them from taking that final step. [player_tooltip player_id='879927' first='Londyn' last='Hollins'] missing most of her first two seasons has stung for them. Her ability to create her shot off the dribble opens their offense for her teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='751248' first='Beth' last='Langebartels'] is coming off a breakout grassroots season, and her sister could play a crucial role in her first season. They also have a crew of experienced players who can make plays in high-leverage situations, including [player_tooltip player_id='855854' first='Morgan' last='Martinez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888379' first='Layla' last='Walz']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pius XI</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pius program kept its six leading scorers from last season and had plenty of success last winter. They beat Wisconsin Lutheran by one point on three occasions last year, and may have a mental edge over their conference foes. [player_tooltip player_id='1319432' first='Chelinda' last='Spector'] had an excellent junior season as the focal point of the Pius offense, and the Jackson twins, [player_tooltip player_id='1173652' first='Lillee' last='Jackson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1173638' first='Lizzie' last='Jackson'], found their footing within the rotation. They also have a few guards who play with a chip on their shoulder: Marciella Rivera, Sydney Tilley, and [player_tooltip player_id='917718' first='Vonna' last='Shill'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waterford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wolverines were a young group last season. Waterford had showings that gave me reason to believe this program could surprise people in Division 2 over the next few years. Aly Brechtl and [player_tooltip player_id='888381' first='Kayla' last='Brechtl'] had impressive first seasons of high school basketball and were excellent perimeter threats in their minutes. The Wolverines also boasted a talented and physical post player in [player_tooltip player_id='877604' first='Sophia' last='Milosh'], who will set a tone in the paint anytime she's on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dark Horses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Catholic Memorial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I always keep an eye on the bottom half of the Classic Eight, and this season will be no different. The Crusaders have a few rotational players back from last season, will be battle-tested after playing a challenging conference schedule, and could upset a team or two depending on how the bracket shakes out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->