PRAIRIE DU CHIEN — The Knights won 19 games for the first time since the 2003-04 season before getting knocked out of the WIAA Division 3 playoffs.
New Glarus rallied to beat rival Belleville at home Feb. 12 for the second time in a week to advance to the regional final, but seventh-ranked Prairie du Chien put an end to the postseason run the next night, 52-32.
The last time the Glarner Knights won more than 18 games (03-04), they collected 21 wins before losing to eventual state champion The Prairie School in the sectional final. This year, Prairie du Chien (17-2) has been ranked since the beginning and proved it. Lily Krahn scored 19 points and Macey Banasik added 16 for the Chieftains, which advance to the sectional tournament. New Glarus senior Jaylynn Benson had 13 points and freshman Lindsey Schadewaldt had 12.
“Tough way to end a great season,” Knights coach Kevin Parman said. “I’m very proud of this team. They set the bar high for years to come.”
In the 55-45 win over Belleville, the Knights found themselves down 29-22 at halftime to the Wildcats. In the game the week prior, Belleville led by as much as 17 before New Glarus came back to eventually win. In the regional final, the Knights outscored their rival 33-16 in the second half.
Schadewalt scored 19 points to lead the way, with sophomore Grace Nommensen finishing with 11 points. Benson scored 9.
In a Division 5 regional semifinal Feb. 12, Monticello lost to Barneveld 45-36.
Monroe loses in regional semifinal
JEFFERSON — The Cheesemakers’ girls basketball season came to a close Feb. 11 in a WIAA Division 2 regional semifinal loss to Jefferson, 45-30.
The Eagles pulled away in the second half, outscoring Monroe 31-20 over the final 18 minutes. At halftime, Jefferson led 14-10.
Senior Megan Benzschawel finished with 9 points to lead Monroe (6-4) in scoring. Lily Bobak had 8 points, Taylor Jacobson 7 and Breanna Giasson had 6.
Ainsley Howard led the Eagles (19-2) with 17 points, while Ayianna Johnson finished with 13 and Aidyn Messman 10. Jefferson defeated Edgerton (17-5) by four the next night to advance to the sectional tournament.
