By seed it may have been an upset, but Beaver Dam was the better team virtually the entire way, as the fourth-seeded Golden Beavers took down top-seeded Rice Lake in a Division 2 girls basketball state semifinal.

Rice Lake led early, going up by six less than two minutes into the game, but Beaver Dam responded in a big way. Lailah Linzenmeyer hit a three-pointer to give the Golden Beavers their first lead with 9:50 left in the first half, part of an 18-2 run for Beaver Dam that put them in a position they wouldn’t relinquish.

The depth of Beaver Dam really stood out, as seven different players scored in the first half alone. Senior Nataya Donaldson, the school’s all-time leading scorer led the way with 12 before the break.

Ms. Basketball finalist Adaline Sheplee did her best to keep Rice Lake in it, scoring 17 points in the first half and 24 overall.

Beaver Dam attempted 17 more shots in the first half than Rice Lake, thanks to nine offensive rebounds and eight fewer turnovers.

The lead would be pushed to 20 points early in the second half, as Nataya Donaldson continued to lead a balanced attack. Rice Lake got into foul trouble and was forced to send Beaver Dam to the line early and often. Beaver Dam made 19-of-24 free throws in the game, though Rice Lake shot an even better percentage at 16-of-19.

Rice Lake added some baskets late, but when Sheplee fouled out with 3:16 remaining, the result was not in doubt.

In addition to a game-high 25 points from Nataya Donaldson, who added nine rebounds, Sheamarie Ashley scored 12 poings with seven assists, six rebounds, and four steals.

Adalie Sheplee closed out her career with 24 points and seven rebounds, while junior Addison Schmidt added 18 points and nine bounds to go with four blocked shots.

Beaver Dam will be making its fifth appearance in the WIAA title game, and first since 2019, when they finished off a run of three consecutive championships.

Whitefish Bay controlled things most of the way, and a 19-0 run in the second half put things away as the Blue Dukes cruised to a 78-42 win over Elkhorn in a Division 2 girls basketball state semifinal.

It was back-and-forth early on, with Elkhorn holding a 12-10 lead after Emilyn Bonow scored on a putback with 7:43 remaining in the first half. Whitefish Bay answered quickly, as Sage Miskel converted a three-point play, giving the team a lead they’d never surrender. They’d close the half on a 15-2 run, which turned out to not be the most impressive stretch of play in the game.

Leading 28-15 at halftime, Whitefish Bay put the pedal to the metal a few minutes into the second half, using a 14-2 run to push their lead over 20 points.

Elkhorn knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to end that run, but it just set the stage for the most impressive stretch of the afternoon.

A 19-0 run over the course of four minutes left no doubt, and Whitefish Bay moves into the title game.

The Blue Dukes’ attacking style and athletic ability caused problems for Elkhorn all game, as they continually slashed to the basket or got into the open court, scoring 34 points in the point, 31 points off turnovers, and 16 fast break points.

Junior Madeline Volpe had the kind of game you dream of as a guard, scoring 23 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field (4-5 from deep) and connecting on 5-of-6 free throws. She’d add two rebounds, three assists, and committed no turnovers. Carrington Balthasar scored 17, Rowan Counsell 15, and sage Miskel 12. The Blue Dukes shot 55% from behind the three point line in the game.

The defense was just as impressive, as they’d limit Elkhorn to 38.5% shooting, and forced 22 Elks turnovers.

For Elkhorn, Emilyn Bonow led the way with 14 points, while senior Kyrin Lile added 13.

Whitefish Bay will play for a state title in Division 2 on Saturday, as they try to capture their first championship in nine state tournament appearances.