50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WIAA GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE TOURNAMENT STANDOUT STARS

The 50th WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament delivered unforgettable performances, headlined by superstar efforts on the biggest stage. In Division 1, Natalie Kussow etched her name into tournament history with a dominant 34-point, 10- rebound double-double, including eight clutch points in the second overtime to lift Wauwatosa East to an 80-74 instant-classic win. On the other side, Ellie Duprey produced one of the tournament’s most electric moments, converting a four-point play in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime. The star power didn’t stop there, as Mikaia Litza filled the stat sheet with 26 points,10 rebounds, and nine assists in a remarkable all-around effort.

In Division 2, Sage Miskel delivered in crunch time, scoring the decisive late buckets to secure a one-point championship victory while leading her team with 18 points. Meanwhile, Joelee Drzonek showcased elite shooting, going a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc on her way to a game-high 19 points. Division 3 belonged to the Ketterhagen family, led by Ady Ketterhagen, who powered Oostburg with 20 points and nine rebounds, supported by standout contributions from sisters Kinsley Ketterhagen and Riley Ketterhagen in a dominant title defense.

The lower divisions brought just as much star power. In Division 4, Eden Mang controlled the game with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Neillsville to the title. And in Division 5, Jaedyn Zdroik delivered a historic triple-double, 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, setting records and powering Pacelli to its first-ever state championship. Across all five divisions, the tournament’s 50th edition was defined by clutch moments, record-setting performances, and stars

rising to the occasion when it mattered most.