The following is a preview of the top games to watch the rest of the week: February 6-8.
Thursday, February 6 – Full Schedule
D3 #4 Catholic Memorial (15-4, 7-3) at Kettle Moraine (13-7, 5-5) – 5:30 p.m.
The first time the Classic Eight foes met, Kettle Moraine posted a 66-58 victory. Catholic Memorial has won four of its last five games, the lone loss in that span was against D1 No. 2 Arrowhead (78-55). Senior Jenna Welsch leads the team with 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. Other top players include junior Kelly Boinski and senior Hallie Koltz (D-III St. Olaf College recruit) who average 13.1 and 12.6 points per game, respectively. Kettle Moraine gets a team-high 15 points per game from senior Emily Gomez. Three others average double figures for the Lasers: freshman Quinn Lodes (11.2 ppg) and seniors Lola Bond (10.9 ppg) and Keegan Lodes (10.2 ppg). Bond leads the team in assists (3.3) and steals (4.1) per contest.
Almond-Bancroft (15-3, 6-2) at D5 #6 Pacelli (14-5, 7-1) – 7:00 p.m.
The CWC South teams meet for the first time this season. Almond-Bancroft has won four of its last five games with the lone loss coming against Pittsville (61-54) while Pacelli has lost its last two games, Wild Rose (62-58) and D3 No. 10 Wittenberg-Birnamwood (65-49). Junior Mya Dernbach nets a team-high 21 points per game for Almond-Bancroft while fellow junior Aaliyah Newby tallies 13.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.6 steals per contest. Headlining Pacelli’s squad is sophomore Jaedyn Zdroik, who averages 14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 7.5 steals per game. The Cardinals have three others who average double figures: sophomores Madelyn Pionek (13.3 ppg) and Haylee Cisewski (11.9 ppg), and junior Ella Van Order (11.4 ppg).
Chilton (14-5, 6-4) at D3 #9 Sheboygan Falls (16-3, 10-0) – 7:00 p.m.
Sheboygan Falls posted a 43-35 victory the first time the EWC squads met. The Falcons have won their last eight games, their last loss was versus D4 No. 3 Manitowoc Lutheran (74-70, Jan. 4). Senior Addison Schliewe, a D-I St. Thomas MN recruit, headlines Sheboygan Falls’ roster, averaging 17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per contest. Another top contributor for the Falcons is junior Makenzie Schroeder, who tallies 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. Sophomores Mollie Schliewe and Lilly Gahagan each chip in 10 points per game. Chilton is led by senior Adahlyn Hoerl, a Division I prospect, who tallies 22.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per contest. Other key players include fellow seniors Erietta Davis (9.4 ppg) and Maddie Mueller (7.4 ppg).
D4 #7 Argyle/Pecatonica (16-2, 8-2) at D5 #1 Albany/Monticello (20-0, 11-0) – 7:15 p.m.
Albany/Monticello is riding a 28-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the state. The Space Stallions topped Argyle/Pecatonica (51-46) in their first Six Rivers East meeting. Seniors Dalana Trumpy and Abby Hollis (NAIA Clarke University recruit) lead the way, both averaging 13 points per game. Other top contributors are junior Molly Olson and freshman Heidi Olson, who each contribute 10 points per game. Argyle/Pecatonica, winners of its last five games, is led by junior Kylie Butler (Milwaukee recruit) and sophomore Brooke Wellnitz (D-I prospect), who average 23.9 and 19.8 points per game, respectively. Wellnitz leads the team in rebounds (15.9), assists (5.7), steals (4.3), and blocks (1.2) per game. Other key contributors include sophomore Avari Steiner (12.8 ppg) and Loretta Tisch (11.2 ppg).
D2 #6 Beaver Dam (14-5, 9-1) at Milton (15-3, 8-2) – 7:15 p.m.
Back in December, the first time the Badger Large teams met, Beaver Dam defeated Milton (59-48). The Golden Beavers’ only league loss was against Waunakee (58-51), while Milton is the only team in the conference to knock off Waunakee (73-68). Beaver Dam’s squad is headlined by junior Nataya Donaldson (D-I prospect), who averages 18.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game (both team highs). Fellow junior Emma Julka also scores in double figures, netting 10.2 points per game, and is the team leader in steals per game (3.3). Other key players include sophomore Luciana Gonzalez (8.2 ppg) and junior Shea Ashley (6.2 ppg, 4.3 apg). Milton is led by junior Nayeli Kilen and sophomore Kylee Buttchen, who each average over 11 points per game. Other top contributors for the Red Hawks include seniors Kailynn Stockman (7.9 ppg) and Lauren Kojo (7.2 ppg).
D1 #10 Verona (17-1, 14-0) at Madison Memorial (16-4, 13-1) – 7:15 p.m.
Verona enters the game with a 55-game Big Eight winning streak. The Wildcats, winners of their last eight games overall, defeated Madison Memorial (48-42) in their first contest. Senior Emily Jensen nets a team-best 12.6 points per game and junior Alli Jirsa is second in scoring (11.5 ppg) and team leader in steals (3.8 spg). Other notable contributors include sophomore Noelle Rauwolf (10.4 ppg, 4.1 apg) and freshman Macy Stremlow (10.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg). Madison Memorial has won 10 of its last 11 games with the lone loss coming against D2 No. 1 Edgewood (53-44). Junior Avery Blue highlights the Spartans’ roster, averaging 15.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.4 steals per contest. Another top player is senior Princess Nwachukwu, who tallies 13.2 points. 9.0 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. Other key contributors include juniors Nevaeh Jackson (9.2 ppg) and Ni”Kera Martin (9.2 ppg), and sophomore Kennedi Harden (5.6 ppg, 5.1 apg).
D5 #10 Belmont (12-5, 8-3) at D5 #8 Shullsburg (14-4, 8-3) – 7:15 p.m.
The teams enter the contest tied atop the Six Rivers West standings. Shullsburg topped Belmont (49-48) when they met for the first time this season. The Miners, winners of six of their last seven games, get a team-high 11.9 points per game from freshman Hailey Alt, who is also second on the team in steals (2.6 spg). Other top players for the Miners include senior Taylor Russell (9.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.9 spg) and freshman McKinley Russell (9.9 ppg). Belmont, winners of five of its last six games, is led by senior Morgan Freeman, who leads the team in points (15.5 ppg), rebounds (6.8), assists (3.6), and steals (3.4) per game. Other top contributors include senior Kaci Riechers and sophomore Lexi Riechers, who average 13.5 and 9.2 points per game, respectively.
Friday, February 7 – Full Schedule
D1 #9 De Pere (17-3, 14-0) at Bay Port (13-6, 9-4) – 7:00 p.m.
De Pere is two wins away from clinching at least a share of the FRCC championship with four games left. The Redbirds, winners of their last 10 overall, beat Bay Port (80-64) in December. Junior Abigail Tassoul averages a team-best 12.8 points per game for the Redbirds. Three others average double figures: seniors Jaden Ciesielczyk (11.2 ppg) and Egan Bierowski (UW-Stevens Point recruit, 11.2 ppg), and sophomore Aubree Fischer (10.8 ppg).
Wisconsin Lutheran (13-6, 6-3) at D2 #4 Pius XI Catholic (14-4, 9-1) – 7:00 p.m.
Pius XI Catholic will look to stay one game back of Woodland West leader Pewaukee in the standings. The Lady Popes have won seven of their last eight games, including a 70-67 win over Wisconsin Lutheran on January 7. Senior Georgia Acompanado (D-II Kentucky Wesleyan recruit) leads the team in points (14.5), rebounds (6.1), and steals (3.4) per game. Other top players include fellow seniors Addison Miranda (D-II William Jewell recruit) and Tess Wiczek (D-I Lipscomb recruit), who average 11.8 and 10.9 points per game, respectively. Wiczek leads the team in assists (5.3 apg) and is second in steals (3.3 spg). Wisconsin Lutheran has won six of its last seven games, the lone loss was versus D1 No. 1 Pewaukee (77-33). Sophomore Kaelyn Nommensen averages a team-high 16.5 points per game for the Vikings. Other top contributors include senior Kenly Frey and sophomore Beth Langebartels, who average 11.9 and 10.9 points per game, respectively. Frey leads the team in rebounding (4.6 rpg) while sophomore Reese Grudzielanek leads the squad in assists (4.8) and steals (1.9) per game.
D5 #5 Lena (16-2, 11-1) at Gillett (16-3, 9-3) – 7:15 p.m.
The top two teams in the Marinette & Oconto meet for the second time this season. Lena holds a two-game lead on Gillett in the standings. The Wildcats have won their last nine games and their only league loss was against Oneida Nation (60-58, Dec. 17). Senior Eva Brooks, a D-II Winona State recruit, headlines the lineup for Lena. She averages 17 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and 4.1 blocks per game. Junior Madilyn Thomson also fills up the stat sheet, tallying 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per contest. Another notable contributor is senior Kali Fischer, who chips in 10.9 points per game. Gillett is led by senior Cilena Guns, who averages 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Other key players for the Tigers include sophomores Maggie Kaczmarek and Hope Soper, who each average 9.6 points per contest.
Eau Claire Memorial (17-2, 10-0) at Hudson (14-6, 8-2) – 7:15 p.m.
Eau Claire Memorial enters the game with a two-game lead on Hudson and Rice Lake for first place in the Big Rivers. The Old Abes’ only losses this season are against Stevens Point (50-37) and Appleton East (66-63 OT). Senior Rayna Welsch and freshman Norah Kling highlight the roster for ECM. They beat Hudson (56-46) in early January. Sophomore Devin Larson and senior Ella Wolfe lead the way for the Raiders, each averaging over 10 points per contest. Wolfe leads the team in rebounding (9.2 rpg) while senior Maggie McConnell, the team’s third-leading scorer (8.2), is the Raiders’ leader in assists (3.3 apg) and steals (2 spg).
Appleton East (10-8, 9-5) at D1 #8 Hortonville (14-4, 12-2) – 7:45 p.m.
The first time the FVA foes met, Hortonville posted a 65-50 victory. The Polar Bears are down their top two players; senior Rainey Welson, a Maryland recruit, is currently out with a knee injury, and sophomore Kardyn Peppler (D-I prospect) is out with a foot injury. Welson, a finalist for Ms. Basketball, is fourth in the state with 26.4 points per game and recently went over 2,000 for her career. She also tallies 5.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. Peppler averages 14.8 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 assists, and 2.6 steals per contest. The Polar Bears will look to senior Leah Heraly (8.6 ppg) and junior Julieyn Martin (8.6 ppg) to take on leading roles in the absence of Welson and Peppler. Appleton East, winners of four of its last five games, gets a team-high 14.1 points per game from sophomore Ella Sweeney, a Division I prospect. Other top players for the Patriots are seniors Torie Neubauer (D-II Minnesota Duluth recruit) and Lilly Meulemans (D-II Black Hills State), who average 12.9 and 9.8 points per game, respectively. Neubauer leads the team in rebounds (6.9) and blocks (1.1) per game.
Saturday, February 8 – Full Schedule
D5 #8 Shullsburg (14-5, 8-4 Six Rivers West) vs. D5 #2 Assumption (18-1, 13-0 Marawood South) at JustAgame Fieldhouse – 12:50 p.m.
Shullsburg is coming off a 48-37 loss to Six Rivers West foe Belmont. Freshman Hailey Alt averages a team-high 11.9 points and 2.6 steals per game for the Miners. Other top players include senior Taylor Russell (9.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.9 spg) and freshman McKinley Russell (9.9 ppg). Assumption is riding a 10-game winning streak, which includes a 55-54 win over D4 No. 6 Neillsville. The Royals’ lone loss this season was against D5 No. 6 Pacelli (59-54). Junior Jordyn Jaglinski, a D-II Augustana recruit, tallies a team-best 15.9 points per game and senior Anna Schooley is not far behind in scoring, netting 14.5 points per contest. Another top player is senior Sarah Shaw, who averages 10.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 6.1 steals per game.
D1 #10 Verona (18-1, 15-0 Big Eight) at D1 #5 Brookfield East (16-3, 12-1 Greater Metro) – 3:00 p.m.
The Division 1 top 10 matchup features Big Eight leader Verona against Brookfield East, tied for first place with Wauwatosa East in the Greater Metro. Verona, winners of its last nine games, extended its Big Eight winning streak to 56 games after beating Madison Memorial (56-41) on Thursday. Senior Emily Jensen nets a team-best 13.1 points per game and junior Alli Jirsa is second in scoring (11.7 ppg) and team leader in steals (3.8 spg). Other notable contributors include sophomore Noelle Rauwolf (10.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) and freshman Macy Stremlow (9.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg). Verona’s only loss this season was against Maine South, Ill. (48-44). Brookfield East’s squad is headlined by junior Maya Kovacic, who holds Division I offers, and averages 18.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. Sophomore Josie Piurkowski is another top player for the Spartans, tallying 13.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. Other key players include seniors Addison Doyle and Hanah Christianson, who each average over nine points per game.
Waunakee (18-4, 10-1 Badger Large) at D3 #1 Oostburg (19-1, 12-0 Big East South) – 4:00 p.m.
Waunakee, winners of its last five games, lead the Badger Large by one game while Oostburg, winners of its last 19 games, has already clinched the Big East South title. Sophomore Tessa Bryan, who holds D-I offers, headlines Waunakee’s squad, averaging 17.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 steals per contest. Other top contributors for the Warriors include juniors Graycin Phillips and Audrey Meudt, who average 10.9 and 9.1 rebounds per game. Phillips leads the team in rebounding (6.2 rpg) and Meudt is the Warriors’ leader in assists (4.7 apg). Oostburg’s squad is led by three Ketterhagen sisters: juniors Ady and Riley (Green Bay recruits), who average 24 and 15.4 points per game, respectively, and freshman Kinsley (who already holds several D-I offers) tallies 23.5 points per game. Ady also leads the team with 9.5 rebounds and 3.6 steals per game and Riley dishes out a team-high 4.1 assists per game.
D2 #1 Edgewood (19-1, 11-0 Badger Small) at D3 #3 Laconia (16-2, 10-0 Flyway) – 6:00 p.m.
A pair of 2024 WIAA State Champions meet in the non-conference game. Edgewood, last year’s D3 state champion, travels to Rosendale to play Laconia, last year’s D4 state champion. Edgewood, winners of its last 19 games, is led in scoring by sophomore Beanie Thompson (D-I prospect) and Anna Miller (holds D-I offers), who average 17 and 15.4 points per game, respectively. Thompson is back after missing several games with a foot injury; along with leading the team in scoring, she is tied for first in rebounding (6.1) and the team’s leader in steals per game (2.9). Miller dishes out a team-best 3.6 assists per game and is second in steals per game (2.5). Other key contributors for the Crusaders include seniors Erin Schauer (D-III St. Olaf recruit, 11 ppg, 3.2 apg, 2.5 spg) and Maren Schmotzer (D-I Northern Iowa recruit, 5.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 spg), and junior Macy Faust (8.9 ppg). Laconia has won its last seven games, including a 62-40 win over Beaver Dam on Monday. Senior Tierney Madigan (D-I prospect) leads the way for the Spartans, averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. Sophomore Finley Morgan (D-I prospect) is second on the team in scoring (14.5 ppg) and rebounding (4.4 rpg), while seniors Payton Morgan, a D-II Minnesota State recruit, and Aubrey Leonard, a D-II Roosevelt recruit, each average over 11 points per game. Leonard is the team leader in assists (5.1) and steals (3.4) per contest.
