Neillsville Warriors Clinch Second State Basketball Championship with Stellar Defense
Three seasons have passed since Neillsville last graced the WIAA girls state basketball tournament. This year, the Neillsville Warriors have not only returned but have also secured the program’s second state championship in its history. Their triumphant 43-40 victory over Albany/Monticello at the Resch Center in Green Bay on Saturday, March 14, was a testament to their grit and an exceptional defensive performance.
The championship game was a nail-biter, demanding every ounce of effort for the full 36 minutes. The outcome hinged on one final defensive possession, a scenario familiar to many teams facing Neillsville’s formidable defense throughout the season. As the Warriors protected a slim one-possession lead, they executed flawlessly, forcing back-to-back steals on Albany/Monticello’s last two possessions to seal the Division 4 state title. This victory was a true team effort, highlighting the bright future of Neillsville basketball and crowning the 2025-26 squad as state champions.
Freshman Phenom and Rebounding Force Lead the Charge
Neillsville’s success on the court was significantly boosted by the outstanding performance of freshman Eden Marg. Coming off the bench, Marg delivered a massive spark, achieving a double-double with a game-high 16 points and 10 rebounds. Her impact was crucial in maintaining the Warriors’ momentum.
Junior Tessa Warren was another dominant force, excelling on both ends of the floor. Warren contributed six points, an impressive 14 rebounds, and two crucial blocks. Her presence in the paint was instrumental in controlling the game.
“I can only give thanks to my teammates for really getting into the post and continuing to feed me,” Marg commented after the game, acknowledging the team’s collaborative effort.
Second-Half Surge and Defensive Dominance
Throughout the first half, Neillsville’s stingy zone defense proved to be a significant challenge for Albany/Monticello, who were making their second state tournament appearance in three seasons. The Warriors established a solid 20-13 lead by halftime.
However, Albany/Monticello emerged from the break with renewed energy, finding more success from beyond the arc. They connected on six three-pointers in the second half, shooting at an impressive 43 percent from deep as a team.
Despite Albany/Monticello’s improved outside shooting, Neillsville maintained control by dominating the paint. They capitalized on 13 forced turnovers, converting them into 19 points. This inside scoring advantage proved to be a critical factor in the final score. The Warriors’ balanced offensive attack ensured that none of Albany/Monticello’s players, who had produced three double-digit scorers during the season, reached double digits in this championship game.
Resilience and Earned Victory
“We work really hard together. We were trying to get everybody the ball, everybody was trying to score,” Warren stated, reflecting on the team’s offensive strategy. “We practiced really hard yesterday and just wanted to get into the zone and we brought it today.”
This hard-fought victory over Albany-Monticello marks Neillsville’s return to the pinnacle of state basketball for the first time since 2012.
Coach John Gaier praised the team’s inner strength and resilience. “That’s the internal strength of our kids,” Gaier said. “They have been battlers all year long. We told them in games like this you’re not going to hold teams scoreless and you’ve got to find ways to answer.”
He further elaborated on the team’s unwavering determination: “The harder you work, the harder it is to give up, and these kids weren’t willing to do that, and all of the credit goes to them. It is surreal, but if there was ever a team that’s earned it, this group, together, has done that.”
