STEVENS POINT, WI- The Hortonville Polar Bears are back in the Sectional Finals after missing last year. The Polar Bears topped Wausau West 69-41 on Thursday to advance to Saturday’s final against conference rival Neenah.

The Polar Bears started slow, missing their first 9 shots of the game before opening the scoring. Hortonville led 39-25 at the break.

Sophomore Rainey Welson scored 18 points to lead the way. Jada Stuewer added 15 and Paige Lillie scored 11 to lead Hortonville.

“Credit to our kids, they did what they needed to do in the second half,” coach A.C. Clouther said.

He said he was happy to see the scoring support from the bench.

OTHER  SCORES

Kimberly 63, Kaukauna 59 OT
A three-pointer by Kate McGinnis and key free throws lifted Kimberly to a 63-59 win over conference rival Kaukauna. The Papermakers scored on a layup as time expired to force overtime. Kaukauna had a two point lead with 10 seconds left in the game. MaKenzie Drout led the Papermakers with 21 points.

NEENAH 74, EAU CLAIRE MEMORIAL 65
Allie Ziebell led Neenah with 37 points and went 12 for 12 from the free throw line to lead Neenah back to the Sectional Finals. Rowan Klemit scored 16 in a supporting role.

DIVISION 2

NOTRE DAME 72, FOX VALLEY LUTHERAN 24
Notre Dame is back to the Sectional Finals with a convincing win over FVL. Trista Fayta had 21 points and Peyton Musial chipped in 15 to lead the Tritons.

FREEDOM 59, WRIGHTSTOWN 39
Freedom got double-digit scoring from  four girls on their way to a victory over conference rival Wrightstown. Freedom got off to a fast start. Sydney Bartles led the Irish with 14 and Kierstin Kriewaldt added 13. Rylie Murphy and Gracie Martzahl both were in double digits. Freedom had a 33-13 lead at the half and rolled to victory.