Winneconne goes for first title

The Winneconne girls' basketball team takes on New Berlin Eisenhower in the WIAA Division 2 staate championship game today at 6:35 p.m. Join The Post-Crescent's online chat at www.postcrescent.com
Here is a preview of today's game:

WIAA Division 2 state championship

When: 6:35 p.m. today

Where: Kohl Center, Madison

* Winneconne (25-3) vs. New Berlin Eisenhower (25-2): Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and will be playing for their first-ever state title in girls’ basketball. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 13.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.4 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 31-30 state semifinal win over Monroe on Friday.

New Berlin Eisenhower placed first in the Woodland-Black with a 16-1 record. The Lions also are competing at the state tournament for the first time. Eisenhower is led in scoring by 6-1 junior forward Anna Hahn at 14 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard Nicole Bauman at 11.2 ppg. The Lions advanced with a 40-38 win over Altoona in Friday’s sectional semifinal.

Disappointment lingers

Not much was expected of the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team this season . At least one media outlet had the Badgers finishing seventh in the Big Ten. Wisconsin proceded to put together a season where they not only contended for the conference championship, but also earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight year.
Despite this, there's a feeling of disappointment that Wisconsin failed to reach the Sweet 16. My how times have changed. Fifteen years ago, Badger fans could only dream of the success Wisconsin now enjoys. The disappointment is a good thing. It means expectations for the Badgers program have been raised tremendously.

Only the girls survive

Both area boys' basketball teams saw their seasons come to an end at the state basketball tournament on Friday at the Kohl Center as Brillion in Division 3 and Appleton East in Division 1 came up short in state semifinal games.
Three girls' teams, however, will be looking to punch their tickets to next week's state tournament. Here is a look at today's match-ups. Check out The Post-Crescent's live chat tonight at www.postcrescent.com.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Saturday
What: Sectional finals
Division 1
* (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna vs. (No. 1 seed) De Pere at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 7 p.m.: Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 19-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.8 ppg and 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10 ppg. The Ghosts advanced to sectionals with a 55-49 win over Ashwaubenon last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 40-33 win over second-seeded De Pere.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 23-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.7 ppg. De Pere advanced to sectionals with a 50-34 win over Appleton North last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 51-38 win over fourth-seeded Kimberly.
Division 2
* (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco vs. (No. 1 seed) Winneconne at Seymour, 7 p.m.: Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference at 14-2 and is 23-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VanderPlas at 18.2 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Kelsey Jonioux at 8.6 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco advanced to sectionals with a 56-44 win over Denmark last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 45-40 double-overtime win over top-seeded Freedom on Thursday.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 23-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.2 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.6 ppg. Winneconne advanced to sectionals with a 44-32 win over New London last Saturday and a 41-35 win over Xavier on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 2 seed) Gillett vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at De Pere, 7 p.m.: Gillett tied for the Marinette & Oconto Conference championship with Peshtigo at 15-1 and is 23-3 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by Lauren Kasten at 10.7 ppg. Gillett advanced to sectionals with a 34-31 win over Peshtigo and then defeated top-seeded Auburndale 38-33 on Thursday in a sectional semifinal.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 25-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.8 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Manitowoc Roncalli 40-28 in a regional final last Saturday and Oshkosh Lourdes 49-48 on Thursday.

Interesting match-ups highlight Friday's prep basketball postseason action

Join The Post-Crescent on Friday for our Coverit Live chat during the WIAA boys' state tournament and girls' sectional semifinals. Here are our local match-ups:
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: State semifinals
Division 1
* Appleton East (22-5) vs. Madison Memorial (22-4) at Kohl Center, Madison, 6:35 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11 ppg. and 10.7 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.2 ppg. East advanced to the state semifinals with a 54-46 win over previously unbeaten Antigo on Thursday. It is the school’s sixth state appearance and first since 1996. East was a state runnerup in both 1986 and 1990. The Patriots are on a 12-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. Appleton East coach John Mielke is in his 10th season as Patiots coach. He has a 138-92 record at the school and is 275-178 overall.
Madison Memorial, the defending state champions, are making their seventh straight state appearance. Memorial also won a state championship in 2005 and finished as runner-up in 2004, 2006 and 2008. The Spartans advanced to the state semifinals with a 58-41 win over Neenah. Memorial tied for the Big Eight championship with Madison East, both at 15-3. The Spartans are led in scoring by Marquette University recruit Vander Blue at 17.2 ppg., Tre Creamer at 14.7 ppg. and Junior Lomomba at 10.4 ppg. Spartans coach Steve Collins is in his 12th year at the school and has a 231-59 overall record.
Division 3
* Eau Claire Regis (22-5) vs. Brillion (23-4) at Kohl Center, Madison, approximately 10:45 a.m.: Eau Claire Regis placed second in the Cloverbelt-West with a 13-3 record. Regis is led in scoring by 6-3 senior forward Adam Ganske at 14.5 ppg., 6-2 junior point guard Connor Miller at 13.7 ppg. and 5-11 senior guard Jack Eaton at 13.4 ppg. The Ramblers are making their third straight state appearance, falling in the state semifinals the past two years.
Brillion finished third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizenesky at 10.3 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.8 ppg. and 6-2 junior forward Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. Brillion advanced to state with a 66-63 sectional final win over previously unbeaten Marathon last Saturday. This is the Lions’ first-ever state appearance.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: Sectional semifinals
Division 1
* (No. 4 seed) Kimberly vs. (No. 1 seed) De Pere at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 6 p.m.: Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 17-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 11.2 ppg. The Papermakers beat Green Bay Preble 38-31 in a regional final on Saturday.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 22-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.7 ppg. De Pere advanced to sectionals with a 50-34 win over Appleton North on Saturday. De Pere beat Kimberly 32-31 on Nov. 28 at the Kress Classic at the Kress Center in Green Bay. It was the second game of the season for both teams.
* (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna vs. (No. 2 seed) Pulaski at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 8 p.m.: Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 18-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.8 ppg and 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10 ppg. The Ghosts advanced to sectionals with a 55-49 win over Ashwaubenon on Saturday.
Pulaski tied for first place in the Fox River Classic Conference with De Pere at 15-1 and is 21-3 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Brooke Lauritzen at 10.5 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Kristin Halla at 9.5 ppg. Pulaski advanced to sectionals with a 58-30 win over Appleton East on Saturday.

Solid prep basketball match-ups Thursday

Don't forget to log onto www.postcrescent.com Thursday and take part in our basketball chat. Joel Christopher will be the moderator. It'll be a big day with the WIAA state basketball tournament getting under way in the early morning, the NCAA Tournament getting started in late morning and girls' sectional finals at night.
Here is a look at our area prep games:

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

When: Thursday

What: State quarterfinals

Division 1
* Antigo (24-0) vs. Appleton East (21-5) at Kohl Center, Madison, 1:35 p.m.: Antigo

Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11 ppg. and 10.7 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.2 ppg. East advanced to state with a 42-40 win over top-ranked De Pere on Saturday. It is the school’s sixth state appearance and first since 1996. East was a state runnerup in both 1986 and 1990. The Patriots are on an 11-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. Appleton East coach John Mielke is in his 10th season as Patiots coach. He has a 137-92 record at the school and is 274-178 overall. Prior to joining the Patriots, Mielke was head coach at Antigo.

Antigo, which won the Great Northern Conference championship at 12-0, has earned a berth in the state tournament for the 13th time and first since 1995. The Red Robins have not advanced past the semifinals in any of their previous appearances. Antigo advanced with a 62-45 sectional final win over Merrill. The Red Robins are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Jordan Mach, a UW-Parkside recruit, who averages 29.5 ppg, and Skylar Cameron, a 6-3 senior forward, at 13.4 ppg.

* Madison Memorial (21-4) vs. Neenah (17-9) at Kohl Center, Madison, approximately 3:45 p.m.: Madison Memorial, the defending state champions, are making their seventh straight state appearance. Memorial also won a state championship in 2005 and finished as runner-up in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Memorial tied for the Big Eight championship with Madison East, both at 15-3. The Spartans are led in scoring by Marquette University recruit Vander Blue at 17.2 ppg., Tre Creamer at 14.7 ppg. and Junior Lomomba at 10.4 ppg. Spartans coach Steve Collins is in his 12th year at the school and has a 230-59 overall record.

Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.7 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.9 ppg. Neenah advanced to state with a 48-42 win over Sheboygan South in a sectional final in Oshkosh on Saturday. This will be the Rockets’ 25th appearance at the state tournament, but first since 2000. Neenah won state championships in 1930, 1975 and 1978. Neenah was runner-up in 1920, 1939, 1969, 1970, 1972 and 1988. The Rockets are coached by Chas Pronschinske, who is in his fifth season at the school. He is 63-52 at Neenah and 182-108 overall.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Thursday

What: Sectional semifinals

Division 2
* (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco vs. (No. 1 seed) Freedom at Seymour, 5:30 p.m.: Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference at 14-2 and is 22-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VanderPlas at 18.2 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Kelsey Jonioux at 8.6 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco advanced to sectionals with a 56-44 win over Denmark on Saturday.

Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.7 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish advanced to sectionals with a 62-42 win over Green Bay Notre Dame on Saturday.

* (No. 2 seed) Winneconne vs. (No. 2 seed) Xavier at Seymour, 7:30 p.m.: Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 22-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.2 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.6 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 44-32 win over New London on Saturday.

Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 17-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 8.7 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.1 ppg. Xavier beat top-seeded Chilton 46-36 in a regional final on Saturday.

Division 3
* (No. 1 seed) Oshkosh Lourdes vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at Kimberly, 7 p.m.: Oshkosh Lourdes won the Trailways-North title at 15-0 and is 22-3 overall. The Knights are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore Lexie Peterman at 17.5 ppg. and 5-10 sophomore guard Teenie Lichtfuss at 11.8 ppg. Lourdes defeated Weyauwega-Fremont 49-48 in a regional final on Saturday.

Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 24-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.8 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Manitowoc Roncalli 40-28 in a regional final on Saturday.

Girls' regional, boys' sectional finals today

Area boys' basketball teams have a chance to punch their ticket to state today, while several area girls' teams look to advance to sectionals.
Here is a look at all of the matchups in The Post-Crescent coverage area.
Don't forget to log on to wwww.postcrescent.com and join our live chat beginning at 1 p.m. The Coverit Live event will be hosted by Joel Christopher.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: today
What: Regional finals
Division 1
* (No. 8 seed) Appleton North at (No. 1 seed De Pere), 1:30 p.m.: Appleton North placed sixth in the Fox Valley Association with an 8-10 record and is 13-10 overall. The Lightning are led in scoring by 5-8 junior guard Nicole Albers at 10.6 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Alex Dennee at 10.4 ppg. Appleton North beat Bay Port 41-26 on Tuesday.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 21-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.5 ppg. De Pere received a first-round bye.
* (No. 5 seed) Green Bay Preble at (No. 4 seed) Kimberly, 7 p.m.: Green Bay Preble placed third in the Fox River Classic Conference at 13-3 and is 15-8 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Kenzie Perttu at 15.9 ppg. Preble defeated Menasha 64-33 on Tuesday.
Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 16-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 10.4 ppg. The Papermakers beat Green Bay East 43-23 on Tuesday.
* (No. 6 seed) Ashwaubenon at (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna, 1:30 p.m.: Ashwaubenon placed fifth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 11-5 and is 15-8 overall. The Jaguars are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Morgan Heim at 10.6 ppg. and 6-0 senior forward Claire DeCaster at 10.2 ppg. The Jaguars defeated Appleton West 49-43 in overtime on Tuesday.
Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 18-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10.4 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.3 ppg. The Ghosts beat Green Bay Southwest 67-36 on Tuesday.
* (No. 7 seed) Appleton East at (No. 2 seed) Pulaski, 6:30 p.m.: Appleton East finished fifth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 14-9 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore forward Marissa Michalkiewicz at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Malory Christenson at 9.2 ppg. Appleton East beat Manitowoc 54-49 on Tuesday.
Pulaski tied for first place in the Fox River Classic Conference with De Pere at 15-1 and are 20-3 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Brooke Lauritzen at 10 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Kristin Halla at 9.7 ppg. Pulaski beat Green Bay West 38-18 on Tuesday.
* (No. 6 seed) Wisconsin Rapids at (No. 3 seed) Neenah, 8 p.m.: Wisconsin Rapids placed fourth in the Wisconsin Valley Conference at 6-6 and is 11-12 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 5-4 senior guard Steph Wisen at 10.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard Hailee Frank at 10 ppg. Wisconsin Rapids beat Sheboygan South 54-47 on Tuesday.
Neenah tied for first place in the Fox Valley Association with Oshkosh West at 15-3 and is 19-4 overall. The Rockets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Lexi Masiak at 10.2 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Taylor Zehren at 9.1 ppg. Neenah beat Oshkosh North 50-19 on Tuesday.
Division 2
* (No. 2 seed) Green Bay Notre Dame vs. (No. 1 seed) Freedom at Pulaski, noon: Green Bay Notre Dame placed fourth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 12-4 and is 19-5 overall. The Tritons are led in scoring by 5-8 senior guard Lauren Byrne at 9.3 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Sara VanHemelryk at 8.9 ppg. Green Bay Notre Dame beat Oconto 72-34 on Tuesday and Oconto Falls 48-27 on Thursday.
Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.5 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish received a bye in the first round and beat Clintonville 50-32 on Thursday.
* (No. 2 seed) Winneconne vs. (No. 1 seed) New London at Hortonville, 1:30 p.m.: Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 21-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.7 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 75-28 win over Omro on Tuesday and a 50-25 triumph over Waupun on Thursday.
New London finished second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 20-3 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Tara Knapstein at 11.5 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Bridget Pethke at 10.2 ppg. New London beat Waupaca 40-26 on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye.
* (No. 2 seed) Xavier vs. (No. 1 seed) Chilton at Manitowoc, 1 p.m.: Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 16-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.2 ppg. Xavier beat New Holstein 38-34 on Tuesday and Valders 48-28 on Thursday.
Chilton placed third in the Olympian Conference at 13-5 and is 17-6 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-1 junior guard Michelle Piepenburg at 16.6 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Kelynn Sporer at 14.5 ppg. Chilton received a bye in the first round and beat Fox Valley Lutheran 63-42 on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 3 seed) Manitowoc Roncalli vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at Wrightstown, 1 p.m.: Manitowoc Roncalli placed second in the Olympian Conference at 15-3 and is 20-4 overall. The Jets are led in scoring by 5-5 senior guard Nicole Schrimpf at 11.3 ppg. and 5-8 senior guard/forward Moriah Mitchell at 11 ppg. Roncalli beat Sevastopol 62-34 on Tuesday and Algoma 47-44 on Thursday.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 23-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.7 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Shiocton 62-17 on Tuesday and Kewaunee 42-31 on Thursday. Brillion beat Roncalli 40-25 at Manitowoc on Jan. 5 and 53-52 at home on Feb. 15.
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 1 seed) Oshkosh Lourdes at Waupaca, 1:30 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 14-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season. Weyauwega-Fremont is coming off a 55-40 win over Wild Rose on Tuesday and a 37-27 triumph over Markesan on Thursday.
Oshkosh Lourdes won the Trailways-North title at 15-0 and is 21-3 overall. The Knights are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore Lexie Peterman at 16.8 ppg. and 5-10 sophomore guard Teenie Lichtfuss at 11.8 ppg. Lourdes defeat Tri-County 60-19 on Tuesday and Laconia 49-38 on Thursday.
Division 4
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert vs. (No. 1 seed) Marion at Green Bay Southwest, 1:30 p.m.: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 4-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg. Hilbert beat No. 3 seed Lena 49-35 on Tuesday and No. 2 seed Gibraltar 36-30 on Thursday.
Marion won the Central Wisconsin Conference-10 at 17-1 and is 23-1 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Halie Joerres at 13.4 ppg. and 5-10 senior post player Brianna Loughan at 11.6 ppg. Marion beat Oneida Nation 86-19 on Tuesday and Green Bay NEW Lutheran 66-33 on Thursday.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: today
What: Sectional final
Division 1
* (No. 3 seed) Appleton East vs. (No.1 seed) De Pere at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 6 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 20-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.3 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.1 ppg. East advanced with a 53-43 sectional semifinal win over Kaukauna on Friday. The Patriots are on a 10-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26.
De Pere won the Fox River Classic Conference championship at 16-0 and is 23-1 overall. The Redbirds are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Brandon Pritzl at 17.2 ppg. and 6-3 junior guard Reece Zoelle at 15.4 ppg. De Pere beat Appleton West 63-52 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.
* (No. 4 seed) Sheboygan South vs. (No. 3 seed) Neenah at Kolf Sports Center, Oshkosh, 7 p.m.: Sheboygan South tied for fourth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 8-8 and is 15-10 overall. The Redwings are led in scoring by 6-2 junior forward Riley Tutas at 14 ppg. Sheboygan South defeated Oshkosh North in a sectional semifinal 66-60 on Friday.
Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 16-9 overall. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.9 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.7 ppg. Neenah beat Beaver Dam 55-43 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.
Division 2
* (No. 3 seed) Kiel vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 1:30 p.m.: Kiel tied for second with Plymouth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 10-4 and is 18-6 overall. The Raiders are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Brandon Gries at 25 ppg. and 6-2 junior guard Joey Burris at 14.7 ppg. Kiel defeated Waupun 77-75 in a sectional semifinal on Thursday.
Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 24-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.5 ppg. and 6-7 junior forward Phil Romback at 15.8 ppg. Seymour defeated Shawano 56-30 in a sectional semifinal on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 2 seed) Brillion vs. (No. 1 seed) Marathon at Ashwaubenon, 7 p.m.: Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 23-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.6 ppg., freshman Eric Kittel at 9.4 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.9 ppg., 6-8 junior center Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.0 ppg. Brillion defeated Weyauwega-Fremont 59-52 in a sectional semifinal on Friday. The Lions have won eight in a row.
Marathon won the Marawood-South at 14-0 and is 26-0 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-3 junior guard/forward Cody Hanke at17.3 ppg. and 6-0 senior guard Ryan Wokatsch at 11.9 ppg. Marathon beat Three Lakes 68-45 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.

Boys' sectionals highlight today's games

There are a number of WIAA sectional semifinal boys' basketball games in our area tonight. If you can't go to a game, check out our live chat at www.postcrescent.com. Joel Christopher and Kevin Dittman will moderate.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: Sectional semifinals
Division 1
* (No. 4 seed) Appleton West vs. (No.1 seed) De Pere at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 6 p.m.: Appleton West finished tied for third in the Fox Valley Association at 11-7 and is 17-7 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 6-0 senior point guard Kevin Levandoski at 16.7 ppg. West beat Green Bay Preble 66-50 and Pulaski 37-30 in regional play.
De Pere won the Fox River Classic Conference championship at 16-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Redbirds are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Brandon Pritzl at 17.2 ppg. and 6-3 junior guard Reece Zoelle at 15.4 ppg. De Pere beat Manitowoc 55-45 in the regional final after receiving a bye in the opening round.
* (No. 3 seed) Appleton East vs. (No. 2 seed) Kaukauna at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 8:15 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 19-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.3 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.1 ppg. East advanced with a 62-29 win over Green Bay West and a 46-40 win over Bay Port on Saturday. The Patriots are on a nine-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. The Ghosts also beat East in Kaukauna 55-50 on Dec. 4.
Kaukauna won the Fox Valley Association at 15-3 and is 20-4 overall. It is the second time in three years the Ghosts have won the FVA title and third time in school history. The Ghosts are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard Jake Schalow at 24.1 ppg and 6-5 senior forward Ben Hennes at 12.4 ppg. Kaukauna beat Menasha 65-25 and Kimberly 55-53 in overtime in regional play.
* (No. 3 seed) Neenah vs. (No. 2 seed) Beaver Dam at Kolf Sports Center, Oshkosh, 8:15 p.m.: Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 15-9 overall. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.9 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.7 ppg. Neenah beat West Bend East 48-23 and Wisconsin Rapids 49-37 in regional action.
Beaver Dam finished second in the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference at 10-4 and is 17-6 overall. The Golden Beavers are led in scoring by 6-1 senior guard Tal Diekvoss at 15.8 ppg. and 6-2 sophomore forward Jake Heuer at 12.6 ppg. Beaver Dam advanced with a 73-57 win over Fond du Lac in the regional final after receiving a first-round bye.
Division 3
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 2 seed) Brillion at Menasha, 7 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 17-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.8 ppg. and 6-2 senior forward Jordan Tolsma at 11.3 ppg. The Indians beat No. 2 seed Wild Rose 47-41 last Thursday and No. 1 seed Laconia 60-58 on Saturday. Weyauwega-Fremont has won seven of its last eight games.
Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 22-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.6 ppg., freshman Eric Kittel at 9.4 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.9 ppg., 6-8 junior center Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.0 ppg. Brillion beat Kewaunee 74-51 last Thursday before knocking off top-seeded Manitowoc Roncalli 46-39 in the regional final on Saturday. The Lions have won seven in a row.

Sad to see Olsen leave us so soon

I never met Merlin Olsen, but I do remember his playing days with the Los Angeles Rams as well as his broadcasting and acting careers.
Olsen always seemed genuine and it's always tough to see someone die so young. At age 69, it seems like he is leaving us too early.

Tonight's area WIAA boys' and girls' games

Here are tonight's girls' and boys' basketball games. Should be an exciting night.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: 6 p.m. today
What: Sectional semifinal
Division 2æ (No. 1 seed) Shawano vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon: Shawano placed second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 21-3 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard James Oshkeshequoam at 18 ppg. Shawano defeated Green Bay Notre Dame 42-40 in a regional final at Bay Port on Saturday.
Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 230-2 overall. Seymour beat Shawano at home 51-38 on Dec. 21 and 52-49 at Shawano on Feb. 11. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.5 ppg. and 6-7 junior forward Phil Romback at 15.8 ppg. Seymour defeated Little Chute 37-34 in the regional final at Kimberly on Saturday.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: 7 p.m. today
What: Regional semifinals
Division 2æ (No. 4 seed) Clintonville at (No. 1 seed) Freedom: Clintonville placed ninth the Eastern Valley Conference at 2-16 and is 5-18 overall. The Truckers are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Nichole Paiser at 11.1 ppg. Clintonville beat Shawano 43-34 in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday.
Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 21-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.5 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish received a bye in the first round.
* (No. 4 seed) Little Chute at (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco: Little Chute placed third in the Eastern Valley Conference at 13-5 and is 16-7 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-0 senior center Ellen VandenBerg at 12.3 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Stacy Gloudemans at 8.6 ppg. Little Chute beat Sturgeon Bay 50-39 on Tuesday.
Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference with a 14-2 record and is 20-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VandenPlas at 18.3 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco beat Wrightstown 50-31 on Tuesday.
* (No. 3 seed) Seymour at (No. 2 seed) Denmark: Seymour finished third in the Bay Conference at 12-4 and is 19-4 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Emily Doxtator at 12.1 ppg. Denmark beat Seymour 42-39 at Seymour on Dec. 28 and 42-33 at Denmark on Feb. 25.
Denmark finished fourth in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 17-6 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Courtney Ullmer at 11.7 ppg. Denmark advanced with a 47-30 win over Southern Door on Tuesday.
* (No. 4 seed) Waupaca at (No. 1 seed) New London: New London finished second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Tara Knapstein at 11.5 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Bridget Pethke at 10.2 ppg.
Waupaca finished tied for sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference with Berlin at 8-10 and is 10-13 overall. The Comets are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Kristen Fuss at 10 ppg. and 5-11 senior forward Zoey Brooks at 6.5 ppg.
* (No. 3 seed) Waupun at (No. 2 seed) Winneconne: Waupun placed fifth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 8-6 and is 15-8 overall. The Warriors are led in scoring by 5-4 sophomore guard Katlyn Hansen at 11.1 ppg and 5-7 sophomore guard Morgan Domask at 9.6 ppg. Waupun defeated Wautoma 58-33 on Tuesday.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 20-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.7 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 75-28 win over Omro on Tuesday.
* (No. 4 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran at (No. 1 seed) Chilton: Fox Valley Lutheran tied with Xavier for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 12-11 overall. Katie Doell, a 5-5 sophomore guard, leads the Foxes in scoring at 10.2 ppg. Fox Valley Lutheran defeated Two Rivers 46-33 on Tuesday.
Chilton placed third in the Olympian Conference at 13-5 and is 16-6 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-1 junior guard Michelle Piepenburg at 16.6 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Kelynn Sporer at 14.5 ppg. Chilton received a bye in the first round.
* (No. 3 seed) Valders at (No. 2 seed) Xavier: Valders placed fourth in the Olympian Conference at 11-7 and is 13-9 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 5-8 senior Sally Linzmeier at 13.3 ppg. Valders beat Kiel 52-41 on Tuesday.
Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 15-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.2 ppg. Xavier beat New Holstein 38-34 on Tuesday.
Division 3
* (No. 4 seed) Kewaunee at (No. 1 seed) Brillion: Kewaunee finished second in the Packerland Conference at 11-3 and is 16-7 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-5 sophomore guard Nicole Geier at 10.5 ppg. and 5-3 senior guard Cassie Vanlanen at 9.8 ppg. Kewaunee beat Reedsville 46-23 on Tuesday.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.7 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Shiocton 62-17 on Tuesday.
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont at (No. 2 seed) Markesan: Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 13-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season. Weyauwega-Fremont is coming off a 55-40 win over Wild Rose on Tuesday.
Markesan tied for first place in the Trailways-Central at 12-2 and is 17-6 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior forward Rea Rooney at 7.4 ppg., 5-5 sophomore guard Emily Krueger at 6.9 ppg., 6-0 freshman forward Courtney Anderson at 6.6 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Angela Brown at 6.5 ppg. Markesan defeated Montello 44-9 on Tuesday.
Division 4
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert at (No. 2 seed) Gibraltar: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 3-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg. Hilbert beat No. 3 seed Lena 49-35 on Tuesday.
Gibraltar placed seventh in the Packerland Conference at 2-12 and is 10-13 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard Ashley Aune at 11.4 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Kelsey Moore at 8.2 ppg. Gibraltar beat Valley Christian 38-27 on Tuesday.

Girls' regional play begins tonight

Most area girls' basketball teams take to the hardwood tonight as regional play gets started. Here is a look at our area teams and their matchups:

When: 7 p.m. today
What: Girls’ basketball regionals
Division 1 semifinals
* (No. 9 seed) Bay Port at (No. 8 seed) Appleton North: Bay Port finished seventh in the Fox River Classic Conference at 7-9 and is 9-13 overall. The Pirates are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Megan Etten at 12.1 ppg.
Appleton North placed sixth in the Fox Valley Association with an 8-10 record and is 12-10 overall. The Lightning are led in scoring by 5-8 junior guard Nicole Albers at 10.6 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Alex Dennee at 10.4 ppg.
* (No. 12 seed) Menasha at (No. 5 seed) Green Bay Preble: Menasha finished ninth in the Fox Valley Association at 3-15 and is 5-17 overall. The Bluejays are led in scoring by 6-2 senior forward Sarah Stecker at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Jacqueline Landry at 10.6 ppg.
Green Bay Preble placed third in the Fox River Classic Conference at 13-3 and is 14-8 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Kenzie Perttu at 15.9 ppg.
* (No. 13 seed) Green Bay East at (No. 4 seed) Kimberly: Green Bay East placed 10th in the Fox River Classic Conference at 3-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Red Devils are led in scoring by 5-6 senior Stephanie Speel at 10.5 ppg.
Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 15-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 10.4 ppg.
* (No. 11 seed) Appleton West at (No. 6 seed) Ashwaubenon: Appleton West finished eighth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 8-14 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 5-10 junior guard Beth Sankey at 11.6 ppg.
Ashwaubenon placed fifth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 11-5 and is 14-8 overall. The Jaguars are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Morgan Heim at 10.6 ppg. and 6-0 senior forward Claire DeCaster at 10.2 ppg. The Jaguars defeated the Terrors 56-37 at the Kress Classic on Nov. 28 at the Kress Center in Green Bay.
* (No. 14 seed) Green Bay Southwest at (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna: Green Bay Southwest placed 11th in the Fox River Classic Conference at 2-14 and is 4-18 overall. The Fighting Trojans are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Kristin Moesch at 7.6 ppg.
Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13.5. The Ghosts are 17-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10.4 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.3 ppg.
* (No. 10 seed) Manitowoc at (No. 7 seed) Appleton East: Manitowoc placed eighth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 5-11 and is 11-11 overall. The Ships are led in scoring by 5-9 freshman guard/forward Kali Hackmann at 9.4 ppg., 5-7 freshman guard Shawny Gabriel at 9.3 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Sammy Hermann at 8.9 ppg.
Appleton East finished fifth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 13-9 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore forward Marissa Michalkiewicz at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Malory Christenson at 9.2 ppg.
* (No. 12 seed) Hortonville at (No. 5 seed) Fond du Lac: Hortonville tied for seventh in the Bay Conference with Shawano at 3-13 and is 4-17 overall. The Polar Bears are led in scoring by 5-8 senior guard Tasia Parker at 8.2 ppg.
Fond du Lac finished seventh in the Fox Valley Association at 7-11 and is 10-12 overall. The Cardinals are led in scoring by 5-9 junior Hope Bonlander at 13.7 ppg.
* (No. 14 seed) Oshkosh North at (No. 3 seed) Neenah: Oshkosh North finished 10th in the Fox Valley Association at 0-18 and is 0-22 overall. The Spartans are 1-63 the past three seasons. Oshkosh North is led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard/post Kellyn Cameron at 6.8 ppg.
Neenah tied for first place in the Fox Valley Association with Oshkosh West at 15-3 and is 18-4 overall. The Rockets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Lexi Masiak at 10.2 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Taylor Zehren at 9.1 ppg. Neenah beat North 55-22 at home on Jan. 5 and 48-18 on Feb. 18 at Oshkosh North.
Division 2 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) Shawano at (No. 4 seed) Clintonville: Shawano tied with Hortonville for seventh place in the Bay Conference at 3-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-4 senior guard Amanda Jaskolski at 8.5 ppg.
Clintonville placed ninth the Eastern Valley Conference at 2-16 and is 4-18 overall. The Truckers are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Nichole Paiser at 10.7 ppg. Clintonville beat Shawano 46-42 in a nonconference game at home on Dec. 5.
* (No. 8 seed) Wrightstown at (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco: Wrightstown placed seventh in the Olympian Conference at 6-12 and is 6-16 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 5-6 junior guard Courtney Klister at 7.4 ppg.
Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference with a 14-2 record and is 19-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VandenPlas at 18.7 ppg.
* (No. 5 seed) Sturgeon Bay at (No. 4 seed) Little Chute: Sturgeon Bay finished third in the Packerland Conference at 9-5 and is 16-5 overall. The Clippers are led in scoring by 5-9 senior forward Lauren Rose at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard/forward Kelly Curtin at 10.9 ppg.
Little Chute placed third in the Eastern Valley Conference at 13-5 and is 15-7 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-0 senior center Ellen VandenBerg at 12.3 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Stacy Gloudemans at 8.7 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) West De Pere at (No. 3 seed) Seymour: West De Pere placed sixth in the Bay Conference at 7-9 and is 10-12 overall. The Phantoms are led in scoring by 5-7 senior guard Kelsey Boettcher at 10.7 ppg. and 6-0 senior center Maddie Weiske at 8.2 ppg.
Seymour finished third in the Bay Conference at 12-4 and is 18-4 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Emily Doxtator at 12.6 ppg. Seymour defeated West De Pere 35-23 at home on Jan. 21 and 41-25 at West De Pere on March 1.
* (No. 5 seed) North Fond du Lac at (No. 4 seed) Waupaca: North Fond du Lac placed sixth in the Flyway Conference at 5-9 and is 7-15 overall. The Orioles are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Yolanda Hayes-Barnes at 8.8 ppg.
Waupaca finished tied for sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference with Berlin at 8-10 and is 9-13 overall. The Comets are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Kristen Fuss at 10 ppg. and 5-11 senior forward Zoey Brooks at 6.4 ppg.
* (No. 7 seed) Omro at (No. 2 seed) Winneconne: Omro placed 10th in the Eastern Valley Conference at 1-17 and is 3-19 overall. The Foxes are led in scoring by 5-6 junior guard Aereal Schug at 7.8 ppg.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.5 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.5 ppg. Winneconne defeated Omro 52-16 at home on Jan. 19 and 52-21 at Omro on Feb. 23.
* (No. 5 seed) Two Rivers at (No. 4 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran: Two Rivers tied with Plymouth for third place in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 9-5 and is 12-10 overall. The Purple Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 senior point guard Rebecca Diedrich at 14.9 ppg.
Fox Valley Lutheran tied with Xavier for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 11-11 overall. Katie Doell, a 5-5 sophomore guard, leads the Foxes in scoring at 10.2 ppg.
* (No. 7 seed) New Holstein at (No. 2 seed) Xavier: New Holstein placed eighth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 0-14. The Huskies are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Chelsi Cash at 12.4 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Amelia Mirsberger at 10.6 ppg.
Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 14-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg.
Division 3 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) Manawa at (No. 4 seed) Marathon: Manawa tied for fourth in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 7-7 and is 9-13 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-9 senior center Aubree Drath at 10.5 ppg.
Marathon placed fifth in the Marawood-South at 6-8 and is 12-10 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 5-5 junior guard Alex Boehm at 12.3 ppg.
* (No. 8 seed) Shiocton at (No. 1 seed) Brillion: Shiocton finished eighth at 0-14 in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight and is 2-20 overall. The Chiefs are led in scoring by 5-9 junior forward Jennifer Van Asten at 7.4 ppg.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 21-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.6 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco.
* (No. 6 seed) Wild Rose at (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont: Wild Rose placed fifth in the Central Wisconsin Conference-10 with an 11-7 record and is 14-8 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard/forward Morgan Yeska at 8.8 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Lyndsey Dorsett at 8.6 ppg.
Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 13-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season.
Division 4 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) St. Mary Central at (No. 4 seed) Green Bay NEW Lutheran: St. Mary Central finished ninth in the Olympian Conference at 3-15 and is 4-18 overall. The Zephyrs are led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Megan Miner at 9.9 ppg.
Green Bay NEW Lutheran finished eighth in the Packerland Conference at 1-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Blazers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Jacqueline Mielke at 17.3 ppg. and 5-7 junior guard Val Mielke at 7.9 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert at (No. 3 seed) Lena: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 2-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg.
Lena tied for sixth place with St. Thomas Aquinas in the Marinette & Oconto Conference at 7-9 and is 8-14 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by seniors Dani Marohl at 13.2 ppg. and Becky Huberty at 11.3 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) Stockbridge at (No. 3 seed) Sheboygan Christian: Stockbridge finished 10th in the Central Lakeshore Conference at 0-18 and is 2-20 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-2 junior guard Mel Mader at 5.6 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Ali Zahringer at 5.2 ppg.
Sheboygan Christian placed ninth in the Central Lakeshore Conference at 3-15 and is 4-18 overall. Sheboygan Christian is led in scoring by Adrianna Walvoort at 6.8 ppg. The Eagles defeated host Stockbridge 34-19 on Jan. 5 and beat the Indians 38-20 at home on Jan. 22.

Football's funny season has arrived

It's amazing how excited everyne gets over a few free agent signings. I could see if a team is a player or two away from being a Super Bowl contender, but you can't build your whole team around free agency. Hello Chicago. Hello Detroit.
Without draft picks in the first two rounds of this year's draft, I can see how Chicago needs to do something, but the Bears may have overpaid for Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. I guess only time will tell.

Regional finals set

Saturday will feature a number of area boys' basketball teams in action. Don't miss The Post-Crescent's Coverit Live chat at www.postcrescent.com
Here are Saturday's area matchups:

When: Saturday

What: Boys’ basketball regionals

Division 1 finals

* (No. 5 seed) Pulaski at (No. 4 seed) Appleton West, 7 p.m.: Pulaski finished second in the Fox River Classic Conference at 14-2 and is 17-6 overall. The Red Raiders are led by 6-5 senior forward Adam Abegglen, who averages 15.8 ppg. Pulaski dropped a 51-47 decision to Appleton West on Dec. 30 in the Shawano Sundrop Classic. Pulaski defeated Ashwaubenon 43-34 on Tuesday.

West finished tied for third in the Fox Valley Association at 11-7 and is 16-7 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 6-0 senior point guard Kevin Levandoski at 16.9 ppg. West beat Green Bay Preble 66-50 on Tuesday.

* (No. 6 seed) Bay Port at (No. 3 seed) Appleton East, 7 p.m.: Bay Port finished third in the Fox River Classic Conference with a 13-3 record and is 18-5 overall. The Pirates are led in scoring by 6-6 senior forward Alec Winzenried at 9.5 ppg. and 5-9 senior point guard Christian Krah at 9.2 ppg. Bay Port defeated Green Bay Southwest 67-48 on Tuesday.

East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 18-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.6 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.4 ppg. East advanced on Tuesday with a 62-29 win over Green Bay West.

* (No. 7 seed) Kimberly at (No. 2 seed) Kaukauna, 7 p.m.: Kimberly placed sixth in the FVA at 9-9 and is 12-11 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 6-6 senior forward Matt Craggs at 13.5 ppg. and 6-4 senior guard Dylan Wurtz at 12.3 ppg. Kimberly defeated Appleton North 51-31 on Tuesday.

Kaukauna won the Fox Valley Association at 15-3 and is 19-4 overall. It is the second time in three years the Ghosts have won the FVA title and third time in school history. Kaukauna defeated Kimberly at home 60-50 on Dec. 7, but lost to the Papermakers in Kimberly 72-55 on Jan. 30. The Ghosts are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard Jake Schalow at 23.9 ppg. Kaukauna beat Menasha 65-25 on Tuesday.

* (No. 6 seed) Wisconsin Rapids at (No. 3 seed) Neenah, 7 p.m.: Wisconsin Rapids finished tied for fourth place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference at 5-7 with Stevens Point and is 10-13 overall. During the regular season, Rapids handed FVA champion Kaukauna a 63-60 home setback on Jan. 12. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-3 junior guard Dylan Lubeck at 11.3 ppg and 6-2 junior guard Joe Ritchay at 11.1 ppg. Wisconsin Rapids defeated Hortonville 64-32 on Tuesday.

Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 14-9 overall. Neenah was led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 13.1 ppg. Neenah beat West Bend East 48-23 on Tuesday.

Division 2 finals

* (No. 2 seed) Little Chute vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Kimberly, 4 p.m.: Little Chute won the Eastern Valley Conference championship with a 17-1 record and is 21-3 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard/forward JJ Martin at 13.2 ppg. Little Chute is coming off a 48-42 win over Wrightstown on Thursday.

Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 22-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.4 ppg. Seymour is coming off a 67-43 win over West De Pere on Thursday.

* (No. 2 seed) New London vs. (No. 1 seed) Waupun at Hortonville, 1:30 p.m.: New London finished third in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 18-5 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Trevor Hass at 23.3 ppg. New London beat Winneconne 67-49 on Thursday.

Waupun won the Eastern Wisconsin Conference title at 13-1 and is 21-2 overall. The Warriors are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Austin Armga at 25.8 ppg. and 6-2 senior guard Cory Nickel at 14.9 ppg. Waupun is coming off an 83-67 win over Omro on Thursday.

Division 3 finals

* (No. 2 seed) Brillion vs. (No. 1 seed) Manitowoc Roncalli at Seymour: Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 20-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.8 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 9 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.5 ppg. Brillion beat Kewaunee 74-51 on Thursday.

Manitowoc Roncalli tied for the Olympian Conference title with Valders, finishing at 17-1. The Jets are 21-3 overall. Roncalli defeated Brillion 70-60 at home on Jan.7 and then 72-71 at Brillion on Feb. 12. The Jets are led in scoring by 6-2 junior point guard Ben Stelzer at 22.3 ppg. Roncalli defeated Algoma 66-38 on Thursday.

* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 1 seed) Laconia at Waupaca, 7 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 16-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.6 ppg. The Indians beat No. 2 seed Wild Rose 47-41 on Thursday.

Laconia tied for second in the Flyway Conference with Kettle Moraine Lutheran at 11-3. The Spartans are 20-4 overall. Laconia defeated host Weyauwega-Fremont 67-46 on Jan. 19. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Zach DeBoer at 13.6 ppg. and 6-0 junior guard Sam Mattheis at 12-2 ppg. Laconia beat Markesan 68-49 on Thursday.

Division 4 semifinals

* No area teams remain.

Tonight's area matchups

We have a few WIAA Divisions 2 and 3 regional boys' basketball games in The Post-Crescent circulation area tonight. Here is a look at them. Also, don't forget to log into www.postcrescent.com and take part in the live chat. Joel Christopher and Sarah Riley will be the moderators.

Division 2 semifinals

* (No. 4 seed) Clintonville at (No. 1 seed) Shawano: Clintonville placed sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference at 8-10 and is 11-12 overall. The Truckers are led by 6-5 junior forward Patrick VanDaalwyk’s 18.5 ppg. Clintonville defeated Oconto Falls 62-59 in double overtime in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Shawano placed second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Hawks, who had a bye in the regional quarterfinals, are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard James Oshkeshequoam at 17.4 ppg.

* (No. 5 seed) West De Pere at (No. 1 seed) Seymour: West De Pere tied for sixth place in the Bay Conference with Denmark at 6-10. The Phantoms are 12-11 after Tuesday’s 46-43 win over Denmark. West De Pere is led in scoring by Tanner Hackl at 10 ppg.

Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 21-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.1 ppg. Seymour is coming off a 72-58 win over Luxemburg-Casco on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Wrightstown at (No. 2 seed) Little Chute: Wrightstown placed fourth in the Olympian Conference at 11-7 and is 14-9 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Ta Woods at 14.8 ppg. Wrightstown defeated Sturgeon Bay 55-38 on Tuesday.

Little Chute won the Eastern Valley Conference championship with a 17-1 record and is 20-3 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard/forward JJ Martin at 13.2 ppg. Little Chute is coming off a 59-19 win over Southern Door on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Winneconne at (No. 2 seed) New London: Winneconne tied for third place in the Eastern Valley Conference with Ripon at 11-7 and is 16-7 overall. The Wolves are paced in scoring by 6-0 junior point guard Austin Ryf at 23 ppg. Winneconne defeated North Fond du Lac 59-58 on Tuesday.

New London finished third in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 17-5 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Trevor Hass at 23.8 ppg. New London beat Waupaca 51-32 on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Kiel at (No. 2 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran: Kiel tied for second place in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference with Plymouth at 10-4 and is 15-6 overall. The Raiders are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Brandon Gries at 23.7 ppg. Kiel defeated Xavier 69-52 on Tuesday.

Fox Valley Lutheran placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 18-5 overall. The Foxes are led in scoring by 6-7 senior forward/center Micah Parlow at 12.4 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Travis Paschen at 11.9 ppg. Fox Valley Lutheran beat Chilton 43-36 on Tuesday.

Division 3 semifinals

* (No. 3 seed) Kewaunee at (No. 2 seed) Brillion: Kewaunee placed third in the Packerland Conference at 8-6 and is 14-9 overall. The Indians are led by in scoring by 6-4 junior forward Mike Lux at 11.7 ppg. and 6-3 senior forward Jerry Charles at 11.3 ppg. Kewaunee defeated Mishicot 55-42 on Tuesday.

Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 19-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 10.2 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 9.1 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.5 ppg. Brillion beat Sevastopol 77-35 on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont at (No. 2 seed) Wild Rose: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 15-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.4 ppg. The Indians beat Oakfield 59-48 on Tuesday.

Wild Rose won the Central Wisconsin Conference-Ten championship with a 17-1 record and are 22-1 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by 6-1 junior forward Brian Erickson at 15.2 ppg. and 5-10 senior guard Sean Daniels at 15.1 ppg. Wild Rose defeated Montello 71-55 on Tuesday.

Division 4 semifinals

* No area teams remain.

Spring officially started today

As I'm writing this, I am listening online to the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training opener agaainst the San Francisco Giants. That means one thing is official - it's spring. The most amazing thing about today's gaame is that Jeff Suppan did not allow a run in two innings of work. It's also noteworthy that the Giants still carry a grudge. Last year, Prince Fielder homered against them late in the season in Milwaukee and when he was greeted at home plate by his teammates, they fell down like bowling pins as he jumped up and into them as he touched the plate. Get over it San Francisco. It was a classic celebration.

Getting started again

Thanks to Cory Jennerjohn, we'll get this blog up and running again. Don't miss Sports for Lunch every Tuesday at noon at the Clubhouse at the Radisson Paper Valley in Appleton or log on to www.postcrescent.com and watch it live. Cory and Brett Christopherson talk sports and often have a guest. This past week they had former University of Wisconsin standout Dave Mader on and talked a lot of basketball. Mader was a member of the Badgers' Final Four team in 2000.