ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) girls basketball state tournament on Saturday drew in thousands of fans to the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon.
Adam Stublaski of Wisconsin Rapids is a fan of the Assumption Royals. He said his daughter, Rylee, had envisioned herself playing in the championship game ever since she was 6 years old.
“To see that come to fruition, she has suffered an ACL injury, a hip injury and now she’s got a torn labrum, but she is cleared to play so it’s super exciting and we are super thrilled,” said Stublaski.
The Royals have also inspired younger fans in their community.
“We got seven daughters, so six of them are mine and my wife’s and these are all their friends,” said Stublaski. “We are hoping to keep their success and Assumption basketball alive for years to come.”
Renee Meyer of Barneveld was pulling for the Barneveld Golden Eagles. She said the team reaching the championship game is a feat in and of itself.
“We weren’t predicted to do so great,” said Meyer. “We were about a .500 team last season. Coming into this year, the girls just had things to work on and we got a new coach.”
Meyer said her favorite part of this season has been watching the team grow, especially her granddaughter, Bryn.
“She went from being a good player, to becoming very confident and very skilled, working really hard to develop what they are doing as a team and they all have,” said Meyer.
For Stublaski, there was also something special about being around basketball fans from across the state.
“Regardless of political or any other beliefs, we are all here to watch and support and cheer for our teams. It brings that American sense of unity here. It’s just a phenomenal experience,” he said.
The Royals secured the D5 state title with a 34-30 victory over Barneveld.
In Division 4, Cuba City became the crowned champions with 53-50 win over St. Mary Catholic.
Oostburg claimed the D3 title. The Flying Dutch defeated Xavier 49-36 to earn their program’s fourth gold ball.
Saturday night’s matches wrapped up with Wauwatosa East defeating Edgewood 59-58 to take the Division 2 title, along with Kimberly taking home the Division 1 title with a 47-26 win over Muskego.
