Game Preview: Shawano vs. Marinette – WIAA Sectional Matchup
The stage is set for a highly anticipated WIAA Sectional clash as the Shawano Hawks (20-5) host the Marinette Marines (22-4) on Thursday night. Both teams are coming off impressive wins in the Regional Finals, with Shawano defeating Fox Valley Lutheran 54-31 and Marinette taking down Pulaski 50-28.
Shawano, led by prolific scorer Leah Nordin (25.2 PPG, 9.7 RPG), has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging 57.9 points per game. The Hawks also rely on Ella Stuber (9.2 PPG) and Anna Dreier (5.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG) for key contributions. Defensively, Shawano is aggressive, averaging 13.6 steals per game, which could be crucial in disrupting Marinette’s rhythm.
Marinette enters the matchup as one of the top teams in the North Eastern Conference, riding a 15-game winning streak. The Marines average 54.5 points per game and are led by Riley Kieffer (12.8 PPG), Elizabeth Wade (10.3 PPG), and Chloe Seymour (8.4 PPG, 3.5 APG). Marinette also boasts strong defensive numbers, recording 16.5 steals per game, with Olivia Hanson (5.0 RPG) anchoring the rebounding efforts.
Keys to the Game
- Limit Turnovers – Both teams thrive on creating defensive pressure and forcing steals. The team that takes better care of the basketball will have a major edge.
- Control the Paint – Shawano’s Leah Nordin is dominant inside, but Marinette will need Olivia Hanson and Bryanna Torkko to battle for rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
- Defensive Intensity – Marinette averages more steals per game, but Shawano has shown the ability to lock down opponents as well. The team that can turn defense into offense efficiently will gain momentum.
- Bench Contributions – In a game where stars will be heavily defended, role players will need to step up and provide scoring and defensive energy.
- Late-Game Execution – With two evenly matched teams, this game could come down to the final minutes. Smart shot selection and free-throw shooting could be the difference.
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