The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans came up shy in a matchup with Seymour Tuesday 47-37 after they led by 5 at the break. Brianna Bray led the Spartans, and all scorers, with 18. 

L-C was outshot from three, 6-4, and struggled to get to the free throw line, but was 5-7 for 71.4%. Karsyn Walczyk was the only bench player to put up points, contributing 5, and the highest scorer for the Spartans behind Bray. 

For Seymour, two were in double figures: Natalie Rudnick (15) and Kenlee Jansen (10) off the bench. 

A big offensive second-half from Rudnick with 12 points, propelled Seymour to the win over the Spartans. 

Luxemburg-Casco will get a break for Thanksgiving before playing their first home action December 2nd against Little Chute with a 7 p.m. tipoff. 

seven made threes, proved too much for Luxemburg-Casco on Tuesday. Siders poured in a game-high 29 points and outscored the Spartans on her own as Valders rolled to a 56-26 win.

Both teams struggled with turnovers, combining for 33, but the Vikings separated themselves from behind the arc. Valders held a 9-2 advantage from deep and capitalized on defensive miscues.

Luxemburg-Casco spread the scoring across the roster with eight different players getting on the board. Alayna Deprez led the way with six points. For Valders, Siders carried the load while Megan Hochkammer (8) and Abby Shultz (9) added steady contributions.

The Spartans close out their road stretch on Wed., Nov. 25 at 7pm before returning home for their opener against Little Chute on Dec. 2.

The Luxemburg-Casco girls' basketball team is preparing to face the Valders Vikings this Friday.

The Spartans are looking to rebound from their season opener loss to Bay Port, 52-30. The Spartans countered the Pirates' attack with 12 points from Sienna Blohowiak and eight points from Brianna Bray. 

The Vikings, on the other hand, are coming off a 57-32 victory over Reedsville. 

The tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.

Another day, another postseason award was announced for Luxemburg-Casco outside hitter Aubrey Frey this week.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced the 20th annual Girls High School All-America Teams, placing the high-performing junior Frey on the 3rd-Team. Her accolades are well-documented at this point of the offseason as she accumulated 739 kills (first in Wisconsin and fifth nationwide), 357 digs, 62 aces, 40 assists, and 30 blocks.

A total of 120 players across the entire nation are named to the AVCA All-America Teams, including nearly two dozen from Region 6.

Picture by Ron LeCloux

Another day, another postseason award was announced for Luxemburg-Casco outside hitter Aubrey Frey this week.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced the 20th annual Girls High School All-America Teams, placing the high-performing junior Frey on the 3rd-Team. Her accolades are well-documented at this point of the offseason as she accumulated 739 kills (first in Wisconsin and fifth nationwide), 357 digs, 62 aces, 40 assists, and 30 blocks.

A total of 120 players across the entire nation are named to the AVCA All-America Teams, including nearly two dozen from Region 6.

Picture by Ron LeCloux

Luxemburg-Casco

Bay Port came out firing to protect home court. They opened the night on a 12-1 run and set the tone early. Luxemburg-Casco found a bit of rhythm as the half went on, but still trailed 22-11 at the break.

The Spartans cut the deficit to eight in the second half, but a stretch of small miscues and missed shots kept them from getting any closer. Bay Port capitalized on nearly every opportunity, controlling possession and rebuilding the lead. Their aggressive play on both ends carried through the final buzzer as they pulled away for a 52-30 victory.

The Pirates' Melia Lemorande led all scorers with 26 points while Olivia Williams chipped in 19 points. The Spartans countered with 12 points from Sienna Blohowiak and eight points from Brianna Bray. 

Luxemburg-Casco is back on the floor November 21st at Valders at 7:00 p.m.

Twice is nice for Luxemburg-Casco's Mason Trimberger as the North Eastern Conference announced their All-Conference teams over the weekend.

Trimberger was named the offensive receiver and the defensive back of the year in his senior year. Offensively he piled up eight total touchdowns as he grabbed 41 passes for 748 yards and rushed nine times for 66 yards. Defensively, Trimberger led the Spartans with 100 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. 

He was among the dozen-plus Spartans to be named to the All-NEC squads.

FIRST TEAM

Eli Derenne, QB

Brayden Loritz, RB, OLB*

Myles Jandrin, OL*, DL

Mason Trimberger, WR*, DB

*Unanimous Selection

SECOND TEAM

Cameron Dorner, RB

Jacob Walton, OL

Tatem Klaubauf, WR

Calvin Henderson, DL

HONORABLE MENTION

Mason Burmeister, DB

Lawdon Tanck, ILB

Picture by Ron LeCloux

The Luxemburg-Casco bowling team got their season off to a strong start last week, defeating Sturgeon Bay 9-0 at Apple Valley Lanes in Sturgeon Bay.

Leading the way for the Spartans were junior Landon Kaye (8 strikes, 8 spares and 2 opens), senior Clayton McDonald (7 strikes, 7 spares and 4 opens), and junior Abby Falish  (7 strikes, 5 spares and 6 opens).

The Spartans' JV squad split their two matchups, beating Kewaunee 9-0 and losing to Southern Door 6-3. Freshman Payton Hough (9 strikes, 1 spares, and 8 opens) and sophomore Carly Duncan (1 strike, 2 spare and 15 opens), led the way for the Spartans.

The varsity squad will bowl again on Tuesday while the JV team will hold off until Thursday. Both matches will take place at the Kewaunee Bowl at 4:30 p.m.

Three players from the Luxemburg-Casco volleyball teams were among the 240 student-athletes named to the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association All-State teams last Friday.

In Division 2, outside hitter Aubrey Frey and setter Alayna Deprez were named to the First-Team All-State. The Spartans joined Sauk Prairie as the only teams with multiple First-Teamers on the squad. Libero Rylan Kaminski also received credit for her strong strong senior season as she was named to the Honorable Mention team.

You can click on this link to see the All-State teams for all three divisions at this link.

Picture by Ron LeCloux

Luxemburg-Casco outside hitter Aubrey Frey has been named to the Division 2 WVCA All-Tournament team. Frey led the Spartans to the WIAA D2 state tournament semi-finals, where they concluded their season with a 3-2 loss to the eventual state champion, Sauk Prairie. The Spartans finished with an impressive 34-13 overall record and a 7-1 mark in conference play. Frey's individual performance was exceptional, highlighted by 739 kills, ranking her first in Wisconsin and fifth nationwide. Additionally, she recorded 357 digs, 62 aces, 40 assists, and 30 blocks, achieving a .260 hitting percentage for the season.

Picture by Ron LeCloux

You can add another postseason award to the list for Luxemburg-Casco outside hitter Aubrey Frey.

The Stephen F. Austin commit was name to the AVCA All-Region 6 team this week after a junior posted another strong season, registering 739 kills, 62 service aces, 30 blocks, and 357 digs. The honor places Frey among the top 633 players in the country that also earned All-Region honors, including nearly two dozen Wisconsinites. Frey led the Spartans to 34-13 record and a second straight state appearance. 

If you, your son or daughter, or your grandchild has competed for Luxemburg-Casco athletics over the last several years, there is a good chance you ended up in a picture shot by Ron LeCloux.

Wrapping up his 1,010th event over the weekend at the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament, LeCloux has been on the sidelines for events big and small for over 20 years from state tournament runs to random Tuesdays and Thursdays. He appreciates the support he receives from coaches, parents, and others in his craft as he travels around the region to take pictures of the athletes who have become like grandchildren to him. No matter what your role is in high school athletics, LeCloux says you have to have a good spouse.

LeCloux was honored by the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce in 2019 as the Spartan Spirit Award winner for the community service he provides week in and week out during the school year. You will likely see him in action when the basketball season kicks off in the coming weeks.

EDITORS NOTE: LeCloux has provided pictures of Spartans athletics for several years across several different sports, and we thank him so much for the time and energy he puts into his work and his graciousness to share those images with us.

The Luxemburg-Casco volleyball team saw their season come to a premature close Friday afternoon, but not without a fight as they lost to top-seeded Sauk Prairie 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 24-26, 17-25, 15-7).

Both teams took their time settling in during the first set with the Eagles and the Spartans exchanging service errors and other miscues. A five-point run midway through the set gave the Eagles the momentum to build a 21-14 lead before the Spartans were able to get back within striking distance. Mallory Hartwig's fifth kill of the set sent the Eagles to a Set 1 victory.

In the second set, it was another five-point run that put the Spartans on their heels, turning a 13-13 tie into an advantage that would build to 21-15. The Spartans battled back again thanks to two late kills from Aubrey Frey, but a service ace from Brooke Braund sent the match to the brink as the Eagles took the second set.

With their backs against the wall, the Spartans came out firing as they took an early lead that they would build up as high as 14-8. The Eagles whittled the advantage down and eventually took an 18-16 lead. The two teams traded points until the bitter end before Rylan Kaminski closed the set with two straight service aces to force a fourth set.

The Spartans started the fourth set even hotter than third set, building a seven point lead thanks to a nine-point run with Kaminski serving. The Eagles were able to whittle it down to a three-point deficit, but a six point run with Danica Bartels serving stretched the lead out again before offensive miscue by the Eagles sent the match to a fifth set.

The Eagles took control of the decisive set early with four straight points to start the match and 10 of the first 15 points. The Spartans could never get into a groove as they struggled to keep runs alive before a block by the Eagles ended the match in heartbreak.

The Spartans were led by Aubrey Frey (27 kills, 12 digs), Claire Schleis (10 kills), Alayna Deprez (45 assists), and Rylan Kaminski (eight service aces, 11 digs). Frustrating the Spartans in addition to their 10-4 edge in team blocks were Mallory Hartwig (23 kills, 11 kills), Ella Logterman (10 kills), Leah Allen (17 assists, 22 digs), and Alaina Kraemer (nine kills, 31 assists, 11 digs).

After the match, head coach Jeff Frey expressed his pride on how his team battled back from a two-set deficit to push the Eagles to a fifth-set and his appreciation to the thousands of fans who made the trip to the Resch Center. The Spartans finish their 2025 campaign 34-13 with a regional, sectional, and NEC title in tow. The Eagles will face Grafton in the state final Saturday evening after beating Waupaca 3-1 (25-18, 25-19, 26-28, 25-21).

For the second year in a row, Spartans fans will get to have breakfast at the Resch Center on Friday as the Luxemburg-Casco volleyball team opens its state run against top-seeded Sauk Prairie.

The Spartans run to the state tournament was perilous one, navigating past three teams in the top 10 (#5 Xavier Sectional Final, #7 Fox Valley Lutheran Sectional Semifinal, #9 Oconto Falls) to earn their spot in the final four. The Spartans are led by Aubrey Frey (712 kills), Rylan Kaminski (70 serving aces, 450 digs), and Alayna Deprez (1151 assists). Head coach Jeff Frey said a five-set defeat to NEC rival and fellow state participant Waupaca put positive things into motion for this run.

The Eagles earned the top-seed with a 29-5 record, including a five-set battle against defending champion Catholic Memorial in the sectional final. They are led by Mallory Hartwig (465 kills, 338 digs), Ella Logterman (59 blocks), and Alaina Kraemer (54 serving aces, 365 assists).

Tim Kowols and Bryan Mazur will have the call from the Resch Center beginning at 10:15 a.m. on 104.1 WRLU with the pregame show followed by the first serve at 10:30 a.m. The winner will move onto Saturday's 5 p.m. championship game against either Waupaca or Grafton. If the Spartans win on Friday, Tyler Thrune and Eric Fischer will have the call on 104.1 WRLU beginning at 4:45 p.m.

You can listen to our full interview with head coach Jeff Frey here

The Luxemburg-Casco volleyball team set a goal before the season to "win the day," but it was a recent loss that may have the squad playing at its best before it takes on Sauk Prairie at the Resch Center on Friday morning.

The Spartans enter the tournament as the #4 seed, though head coach Jeff Frey said that was only due to the luck of the wheel. "I don't think it means anything, Frey said. "I mean, the reality of the situation is we had a three-way tie for 2nd place and they put our names on a spinner, and we spun a wheel. And we ended up getting the 4 seed." 

It is just another test the Spartans will have to take on as they have had done all season long. Frey said that took some time to develop as they team did not handle adversity well to start the season.

The Spartans suffered only one non-tournament loss all season, a five-set defeat to NEC rival and fellow state tournament participant. Frey believes that it was that loss that is serving as a catalyst to the team playing its best volleyball right now.

The Spartans will open its state tournament run on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. against top-seeded Sauk Prairie. Tim Kowols and Bryan Mazur will have the hometown call beginning at 10:15 a.m. with the pregame show on 104.1 WRLU. You can listen to the full interview with head coach Jeff Frey here.

The 62nd State Boys Volleyball Tournament and the 53rd State Girls Volleyball Tournament will be held Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 5-8, at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis. 

TICKETS AVAILABLE:  Ticket prices for the tourney are $11 per session at the gate or $13 if purchased online for individuals 3-years old and older. To order tickets online, go to: wiaawi.org/Tickets#4269711-volleyball.

BOYS TOURNAMENT INFORMATION:  The single-elimination tournament features matches with a best-of-five-sets, rally-scoring format. Of the 69 programs eligible to participate in the boys volleyball tournament, eight remain to play for the single-division State title. Match-ups for the tournament are determined by seeding each of the teams.

Boys Quarterfinals - Wednesday, Nov. 5
#1 Middleton (37-0) vs. #8 Kenosha Indian Trail (26-11)?- 7 p.m.
#4 Appleton North?(34-7) vs. #5 Catholic Memorial (26-9) - 7 p.m.
#3 Marquette (20-12) vs. #6 Arrowhead (24-14) - 4 p.m.
#2 Germantown (38-5) vs. #7 Brookfield Central (26-13)?- 4 p.m.

Boys Semifinals - Thursday, Nov. 6 - 2 p.m.
Semifinal (Wednesday's 7 p.m. winners)
Semifinal (Wednesday's 4 p.m. winners)

Boys Championship Match - Friday, Nov. 7 - 7:30 p.m.
Championship Match

GIRLS TOURNAMENT INFORMATION: The single-elimination tournament features five divisions for the first time. Match results are the best-of-five-sets, with a rally-scoring format. Of the 477 programs eligible for the girls volleyball tournament, eight teams will play for the State title in Division 1 with four teams still in contention for the State crown in Divisions 2, 3, 4 and 5. Match-ups for the tournament are determined by seeding each of the teams in all divisions.

Girls Division 1
Thursday, Nov. 6
#1 Divine Savior Holy Angels (42-3) vs. #8 Stevens Point Area Senior
     High (31-7) - 7:30 p.m.
#4 Waunakee?(36-7) vs. #5 Kimberly (31-13) - 7:30 p.m.
#3 Oconomowoc (36-2) vs. #6 Oak Creek (31-16) - 5 p.m.
#2 Hamilton (36-8) vs. #7 Verona (30-5) - 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7 - 1 p.m.
Semifinal (Thursday's 7:30 p.m. winners)
Semifinal (Thursday's 5 p.m. winners)

Saturday, Nov. 8 - 7:30 p.m.
Championship Match

Girls Division 2
Friday, Nov. 7 - 10:30 a.m.
#1 Sauk Prairie (29-5) vs #4 Luxemburg-Casco (34-12)
#2 Grafton (27-10) vs. #3 Waupaca (27-10)

Saturday, Nov. 8 - 5 p.m.
Championship Match

Girls Division 3
Friday, Nov. 7 - 8 a.m.
#1 Watertown Luther Prep (36-3) vs. #4 Luther (21-10)
#2 Barron (32-6)?vs. #3 Manitowoc Lutheran (33-9)

Saturday, Nov. 8 - 2:30 p.m.
Championship Match

Girls Division 4
Thursday, Nov. 6 - 11:30 a.m.
#1 Heritage Christian (37-6)  vs. #4 Blair-Taylor (21-8)
#2 Regis (31-9) vs. #3 Montello (35-6)        

Saturday, Nov. 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Championship Match

Girls Division 5
Thursday, Nov. 6 - 9 a.m.
#1 Newman Catholic (27-16) vs. #4 Florence (31-14)
#2 St. Ambrose (23-12) vs. #3 Rib Lake (31-8)

Saturday, Nov. 8 - 9 a.m.
Championship Match

LAST YEAR-GIRLS:  Divine Savior Holy Angels won the Division 1 title for the third year in a row with a 25-18, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory over Hamilton in the championship match. In Division 2, Catholic Memorial captured the crown with a 25-18, 25-10, 25-22 sweep over Luxemburg-Casco in the title match. Barron won the Division 3 championship by defeating Aquinas in four sets 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-22 in the title game. Manitowoc Lutheran won the Division 4 title by outlasting Regis in five sets 29-27, 20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-12 in the championship match. In the first year with a fifth division in the tournament, Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran downed Columbus Catholic 25-10, 23-25, 25-19, 25-21 to earn the crown.

LAST YEAR-BOYS:  Middleton won the championship by defeating Hamilton in the title game by scores of 25-10, 23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-10.

ABOUT THE GIRLS DIVISION 1 FIELD:  Three-time defending champion Divine Savior Holy Angels was issued the top seed in the bracket. The Dashers qualify for the fourth straight season and for the 14th time overall. In addition to winning the championships the last three seasons, they also captured the crown in 2001 and added back-to-back titles in 2014-15. They also advanced to the title match and finished runner-up in 2012. Prior to joining the WIAA, the Dashers won WISAA titles in 1972 and 1985. This season, they downed  Wisconsin Lutheran 25-15, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19 in the sectional final hosted by Whitefish Bay to earn their opportunity to win a fourth straight title. The Dashers were crowned champions in the Greater Metro Conference this fall. Last season’s runner-up Hamilton is seeded #2 in the bracket. The Chargers make their fifth State appearance and their fourth in the last five seasons. They won the championship in 2020 with a reduced field of teams because of the COVID-19 mitigation accommodations. This season, they advance to the State semifinals following a 25-23, 15-25, 25-20, 25-22 win over Menomonee Falls in the Neenah Sectional final. The Chargers placed third in the Greater Metro Conference standings this season. Oconomowoc is the #3 seed in the bracket. The Raccoons return to the State Tournament for the eighth time in the past 10 years, which accounts for their overall number of experiences at State. They won their lone championship in 2021. The Raccoons also advanced to the championship game in 2015 and twice in back-to-back years in 2018 and 2019, and then again in 2022 and 2023, finishing runner-up on each of those five occasions. This season, the Raccoons defeated Brookfield East 25-11, 23-25, 25-11, 25-13 in the sectional final held at Oconomowoc to punch their ticket for a return trip to the Resch Center. They are the champions in the Classic Eight Conference. Fourth-seeded Waunakee will experience the State Tournament for the 10th time. The Warriors’ qualify for the second time in the past three seasons. They have won four championships, including back-to-back Class B championships in 1985-86 and another in 1989. They added a Division 2 title in 1991 and were runner-up in Division 2 in 1990 and 1992. They eliminated Holmen 25-16, 25-19, 25-20 in the DeForest Sectional finals to advance to the State quarterfinals this season. The Warriors were the champions in the Large Division of the Badger Conference this fall. Fifth-seeded Kimberly is appearing in its 13th State Tournament and its first since 2018. The Papermakers won their lone championship while competing in Division 2 in 1990. They also advanced to the title matches in Division 2 in 1995 and 1999, resulting in runner-up finishes. The Papermakers defeated West De Pere in three games 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 in the sectional final held at Kimberly to earn their short trip to the Resch Center this week. They are the champions of the Fox Valley Association this season. Oak Creek is the sixth seed. The Knights make their second appearance in as many years and for the ninth time overall. Prior to last year, all of their previous experiences were during the pool-play era from 1980-95 and all of them came in Class A and Division 1. They had a string of four straight appearances from 1980-83, which produced a championship in 1982 and a runner-up finish in 1983. This season, the Knights swept Kenosha Indian Trail 25-23, 25-19, 26-24 to advance to the State quarterfinals. They placed fifth in the Classic Eight Conference this fall. Verona, the seventh seed, will experience the State Tournament for the third time following its 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 28-26 win over Madison Memorial in the Oregon Sectional final. The Wildcats finished atop the Big Eight Conference standings this year. The Wildcats most notable advance in the tournament was to the semifinals in their most recent appearance in 2015. Eighth-seeded Stevens Point is returning to the State Tournament for the first time in 39 years and for the third time overall. The Panthers three previous experiences came during the pool-play era of the tournament. They were the champions of the Wisconsin Valley Conference this season. The Panthers notched a comeback victory over River Falls to secure their berth in the State quarterfinals, winning the five-set game 19-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-13, 15-11.

ABOUT THE GIRLS DIVISION 2 FIELD:  Top-seeded Sauk Prairie earns a berth in the State Tournament for the first time since 2022 and for the fourth time overall. The Eagles advanced to the championship game in 2022 and finished runner up. Their return to the tourney field comes by virtue of a 25-10, 15-25, 25-15, 19-25,15-8 victory over former defending champion Catholic Memorial in the sectional final played at Portage. They were the champions in the Small Division of the Badger Conference this season. Second-seeded Grafton began celebrating the program’s initial berth in the State Tournament following a 25-9, 25-14, 25-13 sweep of  Pius XI Catholic in the Whitefish Bay Sectional final. The Black Hawks placed third in the North Shore Conference during the regular season. Waupaca, the third seed, will also experience the State Tournament for the first time in the program’s history. The Comets’ berth became reality following a hard-fought five-set victory in the final of the Altoona Sectional. They battled back from an 0-2 deficit to win the match by set scores of 22-25, 24-26, 25-21, 25-20,15-12. The Comets landed third in the North Eastern Conference standings in 2025. Last season’s runner-up Luxemburg-Casco is the #4 seed in the bracket. The Spartans qualify for the second year in a row, and all of their previous five appearances have come since 2017. They won three straight championships from 2019-21, and advanced to the title match in 2017 and last season, which resulted in runner-up finishes. The Spartans earned their return to the Resch Center following a 25-14, 25-21, 29-27 sweep over Xavier in the Seymour Sectional final. They were the champions in the North Eastern Conference this season.

ABOUT THE GIRLS DIVISION 3 FIELD:  A program making its first State appearance at State is the top seed in the bracket. Watertown Luther Prep secured the sectional title at home with a  25-27, 25-17, 25-22, 25-13 win in the final. The Phoenix placed first in the Midwest Classic Conference standings this fall. Defending champion Barron was issued the #2 seed. The Golden Bears return to the State Tournament for the second consecutive year and for the ninth time overall. The Golden Bears’ other notable performance at State was winning the Class B title in 1992 during the pool-play format era. This season, they are the runner-up of the Heart O’ North Conference. They defeated Grantsburg 25-17, 24-26, 25-16, 25-11 in the Eau Claire North Sectional to return to State to continue their quest to repeat as champions. The 2024 Division 4 champion moves up a division to challenge for the title in Division 3. Manitowoc Lutheran has been issued the #3 seed in the bracket. The Lancers will appear in their third tournament following a five-set 26-28, 25-20, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14 victory over St. Mary Catholic in the Chilton Sectional final. They fell in the semifinals in their first State experience in 2009. They claimed the title in the Big East Conference this year.  Luther, the #4 seed, is advancing to State for the first time in program history. The Knights’ earned their berth with a 25-20, 25-23, 12-25, 25-21 win over Marshall in the sectional final hosted by Mineral Point. They finished second in the Coulee Conference this season.

ABOUT THE GIRLS DIVISION 4 FIELD:  There are three first-time State qualifiers in the Division 4 field this year. Top-seeded Heritage Christian will make its first appearance at State after ousting Waterloo 23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-18 in the sectional final held at Waterloo. The Patriots were runners-up in the Midwest Classic Conference this fall. Last season’s runner-up Regis is seeded #2. The Ramblers are back in the tournament for the second year in a row and for the ninth time overall. They have advanced to the championship final on five occasions. Their lone championship came in Division 3 in 2013. They also have four runner-up finishes on their ledger. Those came in Division 4 in 2003 and 2024, and in Division 3 in 2004 and 2017. This season the Ramblers finished fourth in the West Division of the Cloverbelt Conference, and they swept Cochrane-Fountain City 25-15, 25-18 25-20 in the sectional final played at McDonell Catholic to advance to the semifinals. Blair-Taylor received the #4 seed in the bracket. The Wildcats earned their berth by navigating through the Arcadia Sectional that culminated with a 25-15, 25-17, 26-24 win in the final. They were crowned champions of the Dairyland Conference this year. Third-seeded Montello was the champion in the West Division of the Trailways Conference this season. The Hilltoppers maintained that momentum to propel them to the State semifinals following a comeback victory over Wabeno/Laona by scores of 25-20, 23-25, 11-25, 25-19,15-12 in the sectional final played at Wabeno.

ABOUT THE GIRLS DIVISION 5 FIELD:  Newman Catholic was issued the #1 seed in the bracket. The Fighting Cardinals are back in the tourney for the third straight season and for the 15th time overall. They had a run of nine straight appearances from 2011-19. During that span, they won four straight titles in Division 4 from 2013-16. They also advanced to the Division 4 championship games in 2009, 2012 and 2023, resulting in runner-up finishes. They remain in pursuit of their fifth championship following a 20-25, 25-18, 25-19, 25-22 win over Highland?in the sectional played at Riverdale. The Fighting Cardinals finished second place  in the South Division of the Marawood Conference this fall. St. Ambrose is the #2 seed in not only the program’s first trip to State, but also its first season of competition. The Guardians play their regular-season games independent of a conference affiliation. They advance to the State semifinals following a 25-16, 26-24,17-25, 25-17 victory over Pecatonica in the Barneveld Sectional final. Third-seeded Rib Lake returns to State for the first time since the program’s only prior appearance in 2006, which resulted in a runner-up finish in Division 4. The Redmen captured the Frederic Sectional title with a 25-22, 14-25, 25-15, 25-20 triumph over Prairie Farm in the final. They placed second in the South Division of the Marawood Conference this season. Fourth-seeded Florence will embark on the program’s first State Tournament following a 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 25-16 win over Suring, which served as the sectional final host. The Bobcats finished the regular season with a second-place standing in the Northern Lakes Conference.

ABOUT THE BOYS FIELD:  Last year’s runner-up Middleton is the top seed in the bracket. The Cardinals will be appearing in the State Tournament for the 16th time and for the fifth time in the last six seasons. They have advanced to the title game the past two seasons, winning the title in 2023 before last season’s runner-up finish. They qualified last weekend with a 25-21, 25-13, 25-21 win over Madison West in the sectional final held at Middleton. The Cardinals were the champions of the Big Eight Conference this season. Germantown, the #2 seed, returns to the State Tournament for the second consecutive season and for the ninth time overall. The Warhawks have advanced to the championship game three times in their previous eight appearances, winning the title in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2013 and 2019. Their return to the tourney field is result of a five-game battle with Cedarburg, winning by the scores of 25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-7 in the sectional final played at Cedarburg. The Warhawks were the champions n the Greater Metro Conference this season. Marquette is the #3 seed. The perennial State qualifier is back at State for the 24th straight year, which also accounts for the Hilltoppers overall total. They have won 10 State titles, capturing the gold in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2021. In addition, they advanced to the championship match and finished runner-up in 2010 and again in 2016. The Hilltoppers return to the tournament field this year by defeating Franklin 22-25, 29-27, 25-19, 25-20  in the sectional final hosted at Marquette. They finished third in the Greater Metro Conference this fall. Fourth-seeded Appleton North is making its 10th overall trip to State and its third in the last four seasons. The Lightning hoisted the State championship trophy in 2012 in their only appearance in the championship match. Their return to State this season comes by virtue of edging Kimberly 25-19, 29-31, 26-24 15-25, 19-17 in the sectional final played at Kimberly. The Lightning finished first in the Fox Valley Association standings this season. Catholic Memorial is the fifth seed in the bracket. The Crusaders qualify for the 16th time and for the first time since 2022 when they captured the championship. The Crusaders’ four State titles have come in 2000, 2010, 2016 and 2022. In addition, they have finished runner-up four times (2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007). They return to the State quarterfinals this season after outlasting last year’s champion Hamilton 25-23, 22-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-11 in the sectional final hosted by the Crusaders. They finished the regular season atop the standings in the Classic Eight Conference. Sixth-seeded Arrowhead returns to the tournament field for the fifth time in the past six seasons and for the 11th time overall. Their most notable outcomes at the State Tournament were runner-up finishes in 2001, 2022 and 2023. They defeated Mukwonago 25-14, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16 in the Sun Prairie West Sectional final to earn another berth in the State tourney. The Warhawks placed third in the Classic Eight Conference this season. It will be the first time seventh-seeded Brookfield Central has qualified for the tournament since their first appearance in 2001, which resulted in the loss in the quarterfinals. The Lancers defeated crosstown rival Brookfield East 27-25, 19-25, 25-19, 30-28 in the Nicolet Sectional final to earn their berth. They placed third in the Greater Metro Conference this season. Eighth-seeded Kenosha Indian Trail is back in the tournament field for the sixth time and for the second year in a row. The most notable experience at State was their advance to the semifinals in 2018. The Hawks earned their berth this season with a 25-20, 25-15, 25-16 sweep of Westosha Central in the sectional final hosted by the Hawks. They are the champions in the Southeast Conference this year.

The Luxemburg-Casco volleyball team ended its weekend with several players being named to the All-Northeastern Conference team and getting breakfast plans for Friday.

The Spartans had four players earn All-NEC honors as a part of a competitive league that will see two entries in this weekend's WIAA State Tournament at the Resch Center in Green Bay. Outside Hitter Aubrey Frey was an unanimous First-Team selection and Alayna Deprez was also named to the top squad as a setter. Right-side hitter Claire Schleis and Libero Rylan Kaminski were named to the Second-Team.

The Spartans will open their second consecutive state run on Friday at 10:30 a.m. as the fourth-seed. They will play top-seeded Sauk Prairie with a chance to play either Grafton or NEC rival Waupaca. The Spartans earned their spot after sweeping Xavier in the Division 2 Sectional Final Saturday (25-14, 25-21, 29-27). Deprez fueled the Spartans’ offense with 29 assists and 12 digs, while Frey recorded 17 kills and 10 digs. Schleis added 14 kills, and Kaminski anchored the back row with 16 digs.

The Luxemburg-Casco soccer capped off its 2025 campaign with three players earning All-Northeastern Conference honors over the weekend.

Carson Hunsaker and Rylen Hinckley were rewarded for leading the Spartans' attack with All-NEC selections. Hunsaker was named to the First-Team as a midfielder while Hinckley was placed on the Second-Team. Goalkeeper Carson Koller was recognized as an Honorable Mention selection.

The Spartans saw their season end in the second round of the WIAA Tournament after earning an upset victory over NEC champion Marinette in the opening round. The Marines had seven players named All-NEC, including Defensive Player of the Year Angel Ayala.

The Luxemburg-Casco Spartans are headed back to the WIAA State Volleyball Tournament after sweeping Xavier in the Division 2 Sectional Final Saturday (25-14, 25-21, 29-27).

The Spartans wasted no time setting the tone, dominating the opening set 25-14 behind efficient offense and strong defense. Xavier pushed back in the second, but L-C maintained control to take it 25-21. The third set turned into a thrilling battle, with both teams trading points late before the Spartans closed out the sweep 29-27 to clinch their return to state.

Alayna Deprez fueled the Spartans’ offense with 29 assists and 12 digs, while Aubrey Frey recorded 17 kills and 10 digs. Claire Schleis added 14 kills, and Rylan Kaminski anchored the back row with 16 digs.

Head coach Jeff Frey said his team was locked in heading into the sectional final, but a stout Hawks team challenged them despite the sweep. " I loved the resiliency we showed in set 2, down 15-8 and come back and get that set," Frey said. "Then to stay in the fight in set 3 down 22-18 and grind, and find a way.  Says a lot about our young ladies on this team, I could not be more proud of them."

With the win, Luxemburg-Casco advances to the WIAA State Tournament next week at the Resch Center in Green Bay, continuing their tradition as one of the state’s premier volleyball programs.

Picture by Ron LeCloux

The Shorewood Greyhounds captured the WIAA Division 2 Boys Cross Country State Championship on Saturday at The Ridges Golf Course, edging Kohler in a tight team race that came down to the final scoring runners.

Shorewood finished with 66 points, placing all five scoring athletes in the top 33. The Greyhounds were led by senior Ryan Lien (9th, 16:09.2) and junior Nolan Johnson (13th, 16:23.6). Kohler followed close behind with 72 points, highlighted by Oscar Gumm’s 20th-place finish (16:36.5). Osceola (138) and Notre Dame Academy (147) rounded out the top four, while Fort Atkinson (157) took fifth.

Individually, Rice Lake’s Carter Kucko ran to the state title in 15:45.6, holding off Berlin’s Thomas McCarthy (15:53.2) and Stoughton’s Elijah Judd (15:57.9) for the top podium spot.

For Northeast Wisconsin, Luxemburg-Casco once again showed consistency on the state stage, placing eighth overall (207 points). The Spartans were led by sophomore Zach Tassoul, who crossed in 55th place (17:21.7), followed closely by Ezra Treml (64th, 17:28.9) and senior Derek Christoph (71st, 17:36.4). Veterans Jonathan Salentine (80th, 17:46.6) and Tanner Snowberry (98th, 18:07.5) rounded out the Spartans’ scoring group, giving L-C a balanced finish against a deep field.

The Spartans will return much of their talented roster and look to continue building forward to next season. 

Mount Horeb claimed the Division 2 team title with 90 points, led by a balanced pack featuring Willa Vigliotta (4th, 18:30.9) and Mia Caygill (9th, 18:59.2). McFarland (112) and Monroe (128) followed close behind, while Kettle Moraine Lutheran (138) and Notre Dame Academy (173) rounded out the top five.

Individually, Deerfield/Cambridge senior Emmerson Drobac captured the state championship in 18:01.4, pulling away late to edge Lancaster’s Maddie Driscoll (18:26.7) and Altoona’s Abbie Hoage (18:29.7).

Locally, Luxemburg-Casco junior Claire Duchateau turned in a standout performance, finishing 15th overall in 19:36.3 to secure an All-State honorable mention and lead all Northeast Wisconsin runners in Division 2. Her effort helped the Spartans cap another strong season against a deep state field.

Sturgeon Bay sophomore Delaney Skiba impressed in her second state appearance, placing 65th (20:43.2) while setting a personal-best time. Shawano Community’s Bailey Hendricks (39th, 20:14.6) also earned a top-40 finish, leading the Hawks to a 15th-place team showing (318 points). Teammates Tela Hopfensperger (80th, 20:59.6) and Maci Beyer (123rd, 22:11.1) rounded out Shawano’s scoring effort.

All good things must come to an end, a reality that the Luxemburg Casco Spartans were hoping to avoid in a return trip to Plymouth, the team that eliminated them a year ago.  Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the Spartans fell to the Panthers 35-6 as heard on 104.1 WRLU. 

Luxemburg Casco received the opening kickoff of the game, but were quickly stopped on their first possession, punting after a 3 and out. Plymouth came out firing, marching down the field, capping off their opening drive with a 7 yard touchdown by Deven Miller. Looking to respond, the Spartans did piece together a drive that got into Plymouth territory but fizzled out after a fumble was nearly lost and a costly penalty backed the offense up.  After a turnover on downs, Plymouth was able to take advantage, scoring again, this time on an 18 yard pass to Dylan Korthals. The Spartans offense was unable to muster a scoring drive but did force a stop late in the 2nd quarter, but the ensuing punt pinned LC to their own 3 yard line. Plymouth’s defense was able to force another 3 and out, giving the Panthers great field position after the Spartans punt.  One of the biggest turning points in the game came on the ensuing possession, as Plymouth found themselves facing a 4th and 5, where Kayden Schultz pulled down the snap from the punt formation and ran to the 19 yard line, being forced out of bounds by Cam Dorner.  In the aftermath of the play, Dorner was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and disqualified from the contest.  A couple plays later, Cole Kuhn scored on a trick play, and the Panthers extended the lead to 21-0 before halftime.  

Plymouth got the opening kick in the 2nd half, and extended the lead on Miller’s second score of the game, a 7 yard carry for the touchdown. To Luxemburg Casco’s credit they battled back resiliently, but were unable to answer until late in the 4th, after forcing a stop on 4th down to take back possession of the game.  Eli Derenne found Tatem Klaubauf for a 40 yard catch and run that got the Spartans offense into the redzone, aided in part by a facemask to add some extra yardage. A few plays later, LC faced 4th and goal from 3, when Mason Trimberger found the endzone on a jet sweep, ending the shutout.  The Spartans attempted to go for a 2 point conversion, but Loritz’s pass was batted down incomplete.  Jacob Walton attempted an onside kick to try to give Luxemburg Casco an extra possession, and the picture perfect kick was nearly recovered by the Spartans but took a hop just out of reach into the Panthers hands.  Plymouth put the game out of reach a short matter later, as Schultz and Korthals connected once again this time from 36 yards out to put the Panthers up 35-6 after the ensuing PAT kick. 

The Spartans season comes to an end after an 8-3 campaign. Plymouth moves onto face #1 seed Grafton, who took down #4 Merrill 59-0.  

Photo by Ron LeCloux