2022-23: State Predictions
With the high school season starting today, I’d like to give my predictions for the state tournament in every division. I’m more than ready to be wrong, but these are the teams I expect to win the state title, play…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season starting today, I’d like to give my predictions for the state tournament in every division. I’m more than ready to be wrong, but these are the teams I expect to win the state title, play in the state title game, and make it to the Resch Center.
Division 1
Champion: Hortonville
Runner-Up: Kaukauna
Resch Center Appearances: Brookfield East, Kettle Moraine
Hortonville returns at least four scholarship-level players and is coming off last season’s sectional-semifinal loss. The Polar Bears have the talent and experience to compete against some of the best teams in the state.
Division 2
Champion: Notre Dame
Runner-Up: McFarland
Resch Center Appearances: Pius XI, Lakeland
D2 is the biggest tossup of any division in Wisconsin. I wouldn’t be surprised if five teams won the state title in this division, with Pius and Pewaukee likely to lock heads in the sectional final for the third time in four seasons. However, it’s hard to bet against the reigning state champions with a core of 2024s who’ve lost two games since they’ve gotten to Notre Dame.
Division 3
Champion: Waupun
Runner-Up: Freedom
Resch Center Appearances: Milwaukee Academy of Science, St. Croix Falls
In D3, things are quietly intriguing. There is plenty of talent among the teams, but Waupun and Freedom are the favorites to get back to Championship Saturday. You could pick either of those teams, and there wouldn’t be much argument, but I’d bet on the high-end talent the Warriors return instead of Freedom’s depth.
Division 4
Champion: Aquinas
Runner-Up: Laconia
Resch Center Appearances: Westfield, Neillsville
Last season, it was Mineral Point’s title to lose. This season, a handful of teams have the talent to win state. However, four teams in Laconia’s sectional can make it to the state tournament and likely be the most intense sectional in the state. That said, I’ll still bet on the diverse talent that the Blugolds assembled this season.
Division 5
Champion: McDonell Central
Runner-Up: Assumption
Resch Center Appearances: Lourdes Academy, Blair-Taylor
The Macks and Royals have played each other at the past two state tournaments in the state semifinals. It would be the best way to end the battle between the two with the state title on the line. Those two are even and put on the best game last March at the Resch, so why not go back and do it again this winter with the gold ball on the line.