NORTHEAST WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has released its boys and girls basketball divisions and regional assignments for the upcoming season, bringing several significant changes for teams across northeast Wisconsin.
After reviewing last season’s playoff brackets and this year’s new alignments, TCHDailyNews.com identified the biggest storylines heading into the new season.
BOYS
Bonduel Moves Up to Division 3
One of the biggest changes this season is Bonduel’s move to Division 3.
The Bears appealed to remain in Division 4 but were moved up due to the WIAA’s performance factor. Bonduel’s postseason success over the past several years, highlighted by a trip to the 2025 Division 4 State Semifinals, ultimately resulted in the promotion.
Bonduel and Seymour Now Share a Region
Bonduel’s move also creates one of the state’s most intriguing regional pairings.
Because of geography, the Bears now join Seymour’s regional, meaning two teams that reached the state semifinals last season could meet before reaching Madison.
The regional also sees Green Bay East move out while Amherst joins the field.
Division 1 Sectional Gets a Major Shakeup
Division 1’s Sectional 1, annually one of Wisconsin’s toughest postseason brackets, will look considerably different this year.
With Marshfield dropping to Division 2 and Holmen also leaving the sectional, the bracket welcomes Bay Port, De Pere, and Green Bay Preble.
That creates another loaded sectional featuring perennial powers such as Neenah, Kaukauna, Appleton North, and Kimberly.
Last season, Kaukauna, Appleton North, and De Pere all reached sectional finals, while Appleton North and De Pere advanced to the state tournament.
No More Long Trips to La Crosse
Perhaps the biggest change for area schools comes in Division 2.
Last season, Shawano, New London, Menasha, Fox Valley Lutheran, and Waupaca all faced potential postseason trips to the La Crosse area.
That changes this season as the WIAA combines Sectionals 1 and 3 and Sectionals 2 and 4, creating more geographically sensible playoff matchups and eliminating lengthy cross-state travel for many northeastern Wisconsin programs.
The realignment also coincides with Marinette and West Salem dropping to Division 3.
GIRLS
Notre Dame Returns to Division 2
After spending last season in Division 1 and reaching the State Semifinals, Notre Dame returns to Division 2.
The Tritons have enjoyed tremendous success in Division 2, winning three consecutive state championships from 2021 through 2023, making them an immediate contender once again.
Northwoods Trips Become a Thing of the Past
Several area programs will no longer face lengthy postseason trips into northern Wisconsin.
Waupaca, Shawano, Pulaski, and New London all found themselves traveling to schools such as Merrill and Rhinelander during last year’s playoffs.
One notable example was Pulaski’s regional trip to Rhinelander—a drive of more than two hours.
The WIAA’s geographic restructuring removes Wausau East, Lakeland, Antigo, Merrill, and Marshfield from the sectional, while Marinette moves down to Division 3.
Division 2 Sectional 3 Sees New Look
Division 2’s Sectional 3 will also feature several new faces this season.
Moving out of the sectional are Xavier, Plymouth, Green Bay East, Sheboygan South, and Menasha, creating a noticeably different postseason landscape for the remaining teams.
Division 4 Welcomes New Teams
Division 4’s Sectional 2 also undergoes changes.
Coleman and Oconto join the sectional after Saint Mary Catholic and Weyauwega-Fremont move out.
In addition, Omro moves up and out of the sectional, further reshaping the bracket.
Division 5 Adds Bowler and Wolf River Lutheran
Division 5 will feature two returning programs this season.
Both Bowler and Wolf River Lutheran are back in postseason play after neither school fielded a varsity team last season because of low participation numbers.
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