MADISON, WI – A preview of Seymour’s and Bonduel’s opponents today at the Kohl Center.
Seymour’s Opponent:
The Saint Croix Central Panthers are playing their best basketball at the perfect time, and now they’re headed to the Division 3 State Semifinals with momentum on their side.
Head Coach Matt Bailey says the journey to Madison has been anything but smooth. The Panthers battled injuries early in the season and struggled to find a consistent lineup, starting the year without full strength for several games. Despite those challenges, Saint Croix Central finished 19-9 and earned a share of the Middle Border Conference title.
“We weren’t at full strength early and even had another stretch where we couldn’t get a consistent lineup,” Bailey said. “But we kept building, and right now we’re playing pretty good basketball.”
That late-season surge has been key. After hitting a rough patch with a three-game losing streak, the Panthers have bounced back with strong performances, including a sectional final win over Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, a team they had previously lost to earlier in the year.
Bailey says the difference came down to preparation and execution.
“We had confidence we could play with them, and our goal was to control the pace with our defense,” he said. “Our players did a remarkable job defensively.”
Balance has also been a defining trait for Saint Croix Central’s success. Bailey says when multiple players contribute across the stat sheet, the Panthers are at their best.
“When we have six or seven guys contributing, that’s when we win,” Bailey said. “If it’s just one or two guys carrying the load, that’s usually not a good recipe for us.”
That balance starts with a senior-led core, including Braden Rasmussen, Matthias Larson, and Tanner Grinnell, who have all played together for years. Bailey says their experience and chemistry could be a major factor against a strong Seymour team.
“Our seniors have all had their moments, scoring, rebounding, assists,” Bailey said. “If they all bring their best, we like our chances.”
Grinnell, a 6-foot-8 presence, adds a unique dimension with his ability to stretch the floor, while the group’s familiarity with each other has helped fuel their late-season run.
For Bailey, reaching the state tournament is a dream realized, not just for himself, but for his players and community.
“You dream of playing at the Kohl Center as a kid,” he said. “Now to be able to coach there, it’s special. And for our players, it’s something they’ll remember forever.”
The Panthers will take on Seymour in the Division 3 State Semifinal, with both teams bringing strong senior leadership and depth into what promises to be a highly competitive matchup.
And with a community rallying behind them, Bailey says the moment is bigger than just basketball.
“It brings everyone together,” he said. “Our community support is second to none, and this is a big deal for a lot of people.”
===============================================
Bonduel’s Opponent:
The Cambridge Blue Jays may not have been expected to make a deep postseason run, but now they’re embracing the underdog role as they prepare for the Division 4 State Tournament.
Head Coach Alex Ranney says even his own team is a bit surprised to be playing at the Kohl Center.
“We’re a young team and to be honest, we’re kind of surprised we got here,” Ranney said. “We’ve been the underdogs most of the year, and our guys have really used that as fuel.”
Cambridge enters the state semifinals with a roster built around youth, featuring a lineup heavy on sophomores along with a pair of juniors and seniors. Despite their inexperience, Ranney says the group has come together through the season and thrives on effort and competitiveness.
“They’re a great group of kids that just compete every time they’re on the floor,” he said. “We pride ourselves on the defensive end and taking care of the basketball.”
That defensive identity is driven in part by the team’s athleticism, with every player on the roster also competing in football. Ranney says that versatility allows the Blue Jays to pressure opponents, switch defensively, and create turnovers.
“We’ve got guys who can guard one through five,” Ranney said. “We fly around and make things happen.”
Cambridge’s path to state included impressive wins over strong opponents like Darlington and Lomira, with the Blue Jays playing some of their best basketball late in the season. Ranney credits the team’s growth, especially after a challenging stretch earlier in the year, for helping them reach this point.
“That tough stretch was one of the best things that could have happened to us,” he said. “It brought the group closer together and helped us grow.”
Throughout the postseason, Ranney has emphasized staying composed and responding to adversity, something his team has handled well during its playoff run.
“Don’t ride the waves, just stay even-keeled,” he said. “It’s all about how you respond when another team makes a run.”
Now, as Cambridge prepares for its first-ever trip to the state tournament, excitement is building throughout the community. Ranney says support has grown with each game, turning this unexpected run into something special for the entire town.
“It’s been awesome to see,” he said. “More and more people are showing up, and the community has really rallied behind these guys.”
Comments