The field is set for the W.I.A.A. Boys State Basketball championships at the Kohl Center in Madison this week. A couple of area teams earned trips to state with sectional titles on Saturday. Here’s the schedule for the week.
Thursday, March 16
Division 3 Semifinals. 1:35 PM #1 seed West Salem (27-1) vs #4 Milwaukee Academy of Science (18-6). Approximately 3:30 PM #2 Brillion (27-1) vs #3 Lakeside Lutheran (25-3). The Lions return to state for the second consecutive season and fifth time in school history after defeating Xavier 77-73 in their sectional final. Brillion took home the Division 4 state championship in 2012.
Division 4 Semifinals. 6:35 PM #1 seed St. Mary Catholic (26-2) vs #4 Kenosha St. Joseph (18-10). Approximately 8:30 PM #2 Luther (26-2) vs Whitehall (22-6). This will be the second trip to state for the Zephyrs, the first coming in 2009. St. Mary defeated Auburndale 75-70 in the sectional final.
Friday, March 17
Division 5 Semifinals. 9:05 AM #1 seed Newman Catholic (25-4) vs #4 Royall (22-7). Approximately 11:15 AM #2 McDonell Central Catholic (28-1) vs #3 Fall River (26-3).
Division 2 Semifinals. 1:35 PM #1 seed Pewaukee (25-3) vs #4 Nicolet (24-4). Approximately 3:30 PM #2 LaCrosse Central (23-5) vs #3 Whitnall (24-3).
Division 1 Semifinals. 6:35 PM #1 seed De Pere (28-0) vs #4 Kettle Moraine (18-10). Approximately 8:30 PM #2 Arrowhead (26-2) vs #3 Neenah (18-10). The Redbirds have been top ranked all season in Division 1 and they advanced to their 7th state tournament by defeating Marquette 57-29. De Pere won the 1934 Class B title and finished runner-up to Madison Memorial in their most recent trip to state back in 2011. The Rockets are back to defend last year’s championship after beating Superior 93-65 in the sectional final. Neenah is seeking it’s 5th state championship overall, making their WIAA record extending 29th trip to Madison.
Saturday, March 18
Championship games in all 5 Divisions begin at 11:05 AM in Division 5, approximately 1:30 in Division 4, 3:30 in Division 3. The Division 2 title game tips off at 6:35 PM with the Division championship to follow.
