For half of a century, the State Girls Basketball Tournament has offered thrills for schools, communities and for student-athletes, coaches and licensed officials that have experienced and achieved the ultimate goal of every program, every year.
Girls basketball enthusiasts throughout the state and beyond have shared in the excitement through live telecasts and streams on the State Television Network for many of those years. Depending on our first recollection of the tournament, many of us treasure memories of tournaments gone by, whether they’re derived from cheering on our school team or from the classic teams, players and performances that have left an indelible impression. In fact, with champions to be crowned in five divisions this season, the tournament will crown its 200th team champion, with 106 different school programs having captured at least one title.
Beginning with the launch of the 50th Girls Basketball Tournament celebration in January, we recount and recognize the many efforts, accomplishments and moments that have formed the landscape of girls basketball since the inaugural season in 1976. Among the programs and activities planned is a free exhibit at the Discover Green Bay Visitor Center through the Girls State Basketball Tournament in March, featuring memorabilia commemorating the 50 years of the event, as well as the “Future Champions Team Experience.” The campaign promotes youth engagement through souvenir buttons, behind-the-scenes venue tours, and game engagement and recognition.
Additional celebration plans to commemorate the anniversary include team-exclusive Tournament Series shooting shirts available to all schools; a social media campaign highlighting the history of the tournament and the individuals who have participated or made significant contributions to the tournament; in-game t-shirt tosses; in-person recognition of prominent athletes, coaches and officials of past tournaments; buttons for former girls basketball participants; a supplemental program and individual state-qualifier gifts sponsored by Discover Green Bay.
Girls’ sports sponsorship in the WIAA first emerged during the 1971-72 school year, but it wasn’t until the 1975-76 school year that basketball arrived with a season culminating with a State Tournament Series. Karen Kuhn, WIAA administrator, is credited for the expansion of girls’ sports, including the basketball tournament.
The State Tournament experienced growth in popularity and attendance through the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The event was held at the UW Field House until 1998, when it moved into the newly opened Kohl Center. A tournament attendance record was set in 2001 at 61,246 spectators. The tournament experience venue changes multiple times between the Kohl Center, UW Field House and the Alliant Energy Center until moving to the Resch Center in 2013.
Perhaps the lone solemn tournament experience came in 2020 when the tournament was canceled after the first day because of the COVID-19 outbreak. It was, and remains, a powerful reminder of how special these opportunities are and how they should never be taken for granted.
It’s always a remarkable celebration when a school community pulls together in support of its State Tournament experience, but it is exceptionally memorable when an entire area of the state unites in support of its teams. Such was the case in 2013, when Kewaunee and Algoma showed up en force to represent Door County at the Resch Center, which resulted in Division 3 and Division 4 titles, respectively.
The most prolific team and community regarding participation in the State Tournament is Cuba City with its18 appearances, which is more than any other school. The Cubans have also won the most titles with 12 championships, including nine under the guidance of Jeff Pustina, the most by any coach in tournament history. Another notable example of sustained success includes six teams that have won three consecutive championships include Cuba City, Beaver Dam, Flambeau, Notre Dame, Milwaukee Vincent and Milwaukee Washington.
Who can forget the many stellar State Tournament performances of some of the greatest players the state has ever witnessed? Arike Ogunbowale led Divine Savior Holy Angels to a Division 1 title in 2015, setting numerous tournament records, including 82 points over two games. She dropped a tournament record of 55 points in the Dashers’ overtime victory in the semifinals and later starred at the collegiate and professional levels. Ogunbowale is one of 16 players from Wisconsin to play in or be drafted by a WNBA franchise.
Other legends of the State Tournament require a deeper dive into the box score, such as Kati Harty’s unconventional triple-double in a quarterfinal loss to Janesville Parker in 2004. She scored 18 points, dished out a Division 1 tournament game record 11 assists and added a tournament game-record 14 steals in defeat.
Some of the heroines of past tournaments participated in arguably the most epic games in tournament history, and each of us have unforgettable games that resonate in our memories. One such game occurred in the Division 1 final of the 2001 tournament. It featured a highly touted matchup of post players–Mistie Bass of Janesville Parker and Janel McCarville of SPASH. Both went on to have lengthy WNBA careers. McCarville won the statistical dual, but Bass led the Vikings to a 51-44 victory and the championship.
The prominence of the game was magnified by the presence of Pat Summit, the legendary head coach at the University of Tennessee. Once seated, a long line of picture and autograph seekers filled the aisle leading to her seat. A similar stirring scenario occurred at the 2025 State Tournament, when fans lined up to have photos with Amy and Anna Terrian, who helped Pewaukee advance to the title game in Division 2 three consecutive years from 2022-24.
Another legendary clash highlighted a Division 4 semifinal game in 2004. South Shore outlasted Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah with an 86-79 victory, tying for the highest-scoring game in State Tournament history. Jolene Anderson, who later played in the WNBA, set tournament game records with 46 points and 28 rebounds. Kayla Groh delivered a valiant effort for the Resorters in defeat, pouring in 40 points, which still ranks second-most in a Division 4 game.
These are just a few of the many sensational moments in tournament history. What are your favorite memories?
Make your plans now to help us to achieve our goal of 50,000 fans at the 50th Anniversary of the State Girls Basketball Tournament on March 12-14 to celebrate the past, present and future of girls basketball Wisconsin. Tickets can be purchased online through TicketStar. See you there!