By Maddy Majewski, Abbi Pflum, Abigaile Turner & Kaylee Homerding
Defend Till the End.
Many teams around the state have come to the Resch Center in Green Bay to compete for the state championship. Throughout the weekend, fans and players have entered the Resch to see who will bring home the gold for their school. Nerves and apprehension filled the center with defining cheers and displays of school spirit.
Westfield v Mineral point jumbotron shot during the first quarter of their playoffs game. Photo by Abbi Pflum.
Many people came to support the teams over the weekend. One of those people was Austin Rens. “I am here rooting for the Laconia Girls basketball team.” Rens is a senior at Laconia High School and has been supporting the team for many years. “I really wanted to support the team. I have been watching them play and work hard all season, and I wanted to see them try and bring back a state championship to our town,” Rens said.
Going to the state championship is the end that everyone wants for their season. Anna Schneider is a senior on the Laconia Girls Basketball team and has been waiting to leave it all on the court. “It’s exciting and just puts a pretty bow on the end of my basketball career. All our girls work so hard every day, and being at state just proves it.” Since being a senior, Anna has had a lot of proud moments in her basketball career and had a hard time just choosing one. “My proudest moment is being one of the captains of our team. It means a lot that the coach sees the rest of the captains and me as great leaders and role models for our younger girls.”
Crowd spectating one of many playoff games at the WIAA tournament. Photo by Abbi Pflum
The Notre Dame Academy’s head coach Sara Rohde shared her team is eager to be back for the tournament. Rohde has been coaching for 11 years and likes the challenge of D1 level basketball and teaching. “This is the best way to do that. I love the sport,” said Rohde. She feels excited for her team to be back “right in their backyard.” “Last year, we won the state with the fact that it was at the Resch Center and pandemic, and with 2 games on one day last year.” During the pandemic, no fans were allowed at the games, and the girls wore masks during all the games. “It was crazy,” Rohde exclaimed, “We were allowed to show up one hour before the game, (and) there were different regulations and rules. Masking was most difficult because they had to wear them while playing the whole time.” The team also tested every week for COVID-19. “The girls had to be conscious of their choices on and off the court, making sure everyone stays healthy. We were very very lucky no one got sick.”
Outside the Resch center displayed the WIAA tournament banner. Photo taken by Abbi Pflum.
The Norte Dame Academy had a challenging schedule this season, and Rohde’s commented, “They lost to Appleton East at the first game but have been undefeated since. They always found a way to win and stick together and fight.” Rohde shared, “Hortonville high school are one of the best teams in division one, and we beat them by three points. It was a great test for us.” The team is excited to be back and defend their title. “Our team motto is one, not done.” That held true this season.
Many teams made a trip to Green Bay to be crowned the best of the best, but only a few came out on top. Although this is the case, the teams all had one thing in common. They all fought hard and left it all out on the court. Notre Dame Academy held their title and won state championships. On March 12, 2022, the Notre Dame Academy varsity basketball team won their last playoffs game against Pewaukee by a score of 68-54.
Championship photo of Notre Dame Academy Girls Basketball. Taken from Notre Dame Academy Girls Basketball Facebook page.