Predictions: Division 1 Sectional Winners
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This week, I’ve highlighted teams who can make some noise in Division 1 this coming postseason. Today, I’ll make my picks. Sectional 1 Winner: Hortonville There aren’t many obstacles this core hasn’t run into in high school. The Polar Bears…
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Continue ReadingThis week, I’ve highlighted teams who can make some noise in Division 1 this coming postseason. Today, I’ll make my picks.
Sectional 1 Winner: Hortonville
There aren’t many obstacles this core hasn’t run into in high school. The Polar Bears lost in the sectional final overtime two years ago, and losing heartbreakingly last season stings, especially for their class of 2022. However, the group they bring back is more than good enough to win a gold ball this season. No team could ask for a better replacement for a Ms. Basketball winner than Trinity Mocadlo Trinity Mocadlo 5'8" | PG Hortonville | 2023 State WI . She’s a winner, and her effort alone forces her teammates to match her intensity. Sophomore Rainey Welson Rainey Welson 5'9" | CG Hortonville | 2025 State WI is one of the best 2025s in the midwest and led the Polar Bears in scoring last season. Junior Kallie Peppler Kallie Peppler 6'0" | PF Hortonville | 2024 State WI has been one of the most versatile fours in Wisconsin. The forward scores inside and out and defends one through five. MiKayla Werner MiKayla Werner 6'0" | PF Hortonville | 2024 State WI burst onto the scene last season on the road against Appleton East, where she earned a double-double. The fifth starting spot is in question, but it’s not for lack of options. I think this team is too deep for the competition in their sectional.
Sectional 2 Winner: Germantown
Although Germantown lost Emilie Wizner, the Warhawks have a handful of underclassmen who can step up. KK Arnold will draw the most attention, which creates opportunities for her teammates. Sophomore Danica Gosz Danica Gosz 5'8" | SG Germantown | 2025 State WI is a good enough shooter to make teams pay for overhelping. Junior Lucy Leininger Lucy Leininger 5'11" | PF Germantown | 2024 State WI showed that she could handle the defensive responsibilities of a five, even though she may be slightly undersized for that position. Rachel Murphy and Jaycee Mani are kids who may be small guards, but they fight for everything. This group will face a challenge with Kaukauna’s size, which gave them issues last season, but I can’t be against KK Arnold in the postseason in her senior season.
Sectional 3 Winner: Brookfield East
I believe the Greater Metro Conference will get two teams to state. Brookfield got over the hump last season and made it to the Resch Center. They had their chances to win their semifinal game but couldn’t get over the hump and take the lead. Teams with elite defenses have faired well in postseasons past, and this may be the best defensive team in the state. Annika Pluemer Annika Pluemer 5'9" | CG Brookfield East | 2023 State WI and Shae Kelley Shae Kelley 5'9" | PG Brookfield East | 2024 State WI are the best defensive backcourt duo in Wisconsin. 6-foot-2 Maddy McGath is an athletic deterrent in the paint with versatility on the offensive end. However, freshman Maya Kovacic could change what this team is this season. Kovacic is good enough to play big minutes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Spartans bring her off the bench to attack defenses trying to catch their breath.
Sectional 4 Winner: Kettle Moraine
I see no reason the Lasers won’t be back in the Resch Center this season, barring injury. West Virginia commit Grace Grocholski Grace Grocholski 5'10" | SF Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI is as dominant as anyone when she turns it on. That showed in the state title game last season. Northern Michigan commit Braelyn Torres Braelyn Torres 5'7" | CG Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI is also one of the best two-way guards in the state. The loss of Lily Randgaard will be rough in games against the top teams. They can win state again, but they’ll need a few kids to take that next step.