GREEN BAY – The third time was the charm. After back-to-back years of bowing out in the WIAA Division 2 state semifinals, the Cheesemakers defeated Whitefish Bay 59-47 Friday to earn a spot in Saturday’s state championship.
Sydney Hilliard scored 25 points to lead the Cheesemakers, with 14 coming in the second half. Emily Benzschawel had 19, while Grace Tostrud finished with seven.
Whitefish Bay open the game hot, getting the ball into the post and forcing some Monroe turnovers. The Cheesemakers fell behind 13-5 seven minutes into the game, but stormed back in the final 11 minutes of the half to take a 28-26 lead into the locker room. Benzschawel sparked the charge by hitting two NBA-range 3-pointers.
“I knew our team needed some shots. I was open, so I took it,” Benzschawel said. “After I hit those shots, I had a lot of energy.”
After halftime, Hilliard came out blazing and scored nine of Monroe’s first 13 points as the Cheesemakers went up 41-30 less than seven minutes in.
“It’s a surreal feeling … I’m super excited for tomorrow,” Hilliard said. “
Up next is two-time defending chance Beaver Dam, which has beaten Monroe three times in the past two years.
“They are so good. I think it brings out the competitiveness in us. I think everyone wants a shot at Beaver Dam. We can do it tomorrow if we can believe,” Hilliard said.
The game will be the final time Hilliard and Benzschawel, longtime teammates, will play together. Both will finish top-3 in program history in points, with Hilliard first and Benzschawel third.
“Not many people get to experience a championship game. So, as much as it’s sad to say it’s our last game, I hope we can finish it out with a championship,” Hilliard said.
