Preview of Friday's Regional Championships
By Spencer Flaten, lead writer
There are 32 teams remaining in each of the lower Divisions, and the fields will be narrowed down to 16 after today’s regional finals. There are some good matchups scheduled in all three Divisions. Here’s a quick rundown of the top games tonight.
Ellsworth and Prescott square off in Division 2 for a spot in sectionals. The Panthers (20-1) and Cardinals (21-4) have played each other twice this season. They split the first two games, so tonight’s game is the rubber match of the series. The Panthers came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat Altoona 8-5 in the regional semis, while Prescott beat Black River Falls 11-2.
Defending Division 2 state champs Jefferson will play Catholic Memorial in their regional final today. This one has potential to be a good game. Memorial (14-13) played a tough schedule against Division 1 teams like Arrowhead and Watertown all year that could help them in a game like this. Meanwhile, the Eagles (21-6) will be hungry to defend their state title. Jefferson beat Big Foot 7-1 in the semifinals and Memorial beat #2 seed East Troy 4-2.
Lodi will play McFarland in one of the more intriguing Division 2 regional finals. The Blue Devils (17-4) won the Capitol North this year and beat Watertown Luther Prep 10-0 to get to the final. The Spartans (15-6) finished behind Jefferson and Edgerton in the Rock Valley North but have played some quality baseball this year. They beat Madison Edgewood 11-2 in the semifinals.
Portage and Wisconsin Dells face each other in what should be a good game today. The Warriors (18-7) played a tough schedule but still managed to win 17 games in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs (17-4) have proven themselves to be a threat all year long. Portage came from behind to beat Westfield 5-4 in the semifinals, while Wisconsin Dells upset Wautoma and state Player of the Year Jack Eagan 7-1.
In Division 3, Marathon and Spencer will play in what is the most exciting regional final in the Division, at least on paper. Marathon (21-2) won the Marawood South this year and has played outstanding baseball all season long. Spencer (20-4) was a co-champion of the Cloverbelt East and has shown that they have the quality to beat top teams. Marathon beat Colby 7-0 in the semifinals and Spencer beat Athens 5-1.
Another Division 3 game to keep an eye on is Markesan vs. Laconia. Markesan (21-2) has been on fire for the past month, but they could have their hands full with Laconia (16-7). The Hornets beat Lourdes Academy 14-4 in the semis, while Laconia beat Pardeeville 6-2.
The best Division 4 regional final might be Highland vs. Barneveld. Highland (22-4) has been one of the top teams in Division 4 all season and they won the Six Rivers-Western Conference with ease. Barneveld (18-9) is on a three game winning streak following their upset of #2 seed and conference champion Pecatonica in the semifinals.
As always, follow all of the action with us on Twitter at @WIBallCentral.
