Division 4 Sectional Champions: Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After about a week of looking at some 2024 rankings content, I want to finish predicting what the D4 state tournament will look like this winter. I think over ten teams are good enough to think they're good enough to get to the state tournament, but these are my sectional winners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Sectional 1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neillsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='780363' first='Paris' last='Opelt'] will always be an underrated kid in the 2024 class because she's from a small town and doesn't have a substantial reputation catapulting her into the spotlight, but she can play. The 5-foot-11 wing sunk five 3-pointers in the sectional final last season against Phillips. I don't think there is anyone who can alter a game with their skill and physical gifts like Opelt. They now have the experience of going to state last season, and I don't see why they can't return this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Sectional 2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pioneers have quietly put together a talented group of kids who fit each other's skillset to a tee. Some of these kids may not be the flashiest kids you'll ever see, but they do what they need to help their team win games. Nadia Hoffa is the best example of that. She's an undersized forward who battles, scraps, and makes life easier for the other four players on the floor with her. [player_tooltip player_id='448289' first='Haddie' last='Showen'] is a talented 5-foot-9 lead guard who got hounded at the Resch Center last winter, but I don't think anyone can fluster her like that again at the high school level. The sophomore has an excellent handle on the ball and understands how to maximize her team's chances of winning by balancing her scoring with creation. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='209906' first='Carly' last='Drew'] also plays multiple positions, and she's defended some of the best kids in the country. Drew has every right to be in the discussion of the top players in D4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Sectional 3</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aquinas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The loss of Jacy Weisbrod could prove pivotal late in the season. Her shooting was a threat even if she was 0-for-7 from the 3-point line. Future Montana Grizz [player_tooltip player_id='156071' first='Macy' last='Donarski'] is back and has three years of experience playing in Aquinas' system. The Blugolds will also add one of the most talented 2026s in the state. There will probably be growing pains early in the season, but I'll bet on their talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2>Sectional 4</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Laconia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans were a rough shooting game away from winning a state title with three first-year kids and a sophomore in their starting unit. [player_tooltip player_id='342096' first='Tierney' last='Madigan'] proved throughout the summer why she's one of the most talented sophomores in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='448258' first='Payton' last='Morgan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='375953' first='Aubrey' last='Leonard'] play significant roles for a team who has already played on Championship Saturday. Junior Callista Vandeberg provides the size that this team needs to handle some of the paint threats they'll see this season. I still remember the looks on the Laconia underclassmen's faces after receiving their silver medals. This team will be ready this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->