Boys State Basketball: Division 2
Thursday, March 15th, 2012 -- 9:48 AM
The 97th WIAA State Boys Basketball Tournament gets started this afternoon with Division 5 semi-finals. Friday afternoon it's Division 2 semi-finals, here's a preview...Friday, March 16 ? Division 2 Semi-Finals
1:35 p.m. Kaukauna (24-2) vs. DeForest (18-8)
Onalaska (25-1) vs. Pius XI (23-3)*
ABOUT THE DIVISION 2 FIELD: Onalaska last enjoyed a State qualifying experience in 1992. The Hilltoppers are returning to State for the eighth time overall. They won the Class A championship in 1988 and followed that with a Division 2 title in 1992. They earned their berth this year with a convincing 62-38 win over Antigo in the Marshfield Sectional final.
Kaukauna?s only other State appearance came in 2001 when the Galloping Ghosts lost in the semifinals.
Pius XI qualifies for the State Tournament for the first time since its only other appearance in 2005. The Popes advanced to the semifinals in Division 1 that season before being ousted from title contention. Before joining the WIAA, the Popes had a rich tradition of success in the former private school association. They won five championships, winning titles in 1970, 1975, 1976, 1996 and in 2000, and placed runner-up four other times in 1957, 1971, 1972 and 1993.
DeForest will make the short jaunt to Madison and the State Tournament for the first time.
The State Tournament will be televised live in our area on WAOW-TV channel 9 in Wausau, WXOW-TV channel 19 in La Crosse, and WQOW-TV channel 18 in Eau Claire. The championships will also be streamed on the statewide network station Web sites.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.