The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association baseball tournament opens on May 28, bringing together five teams that represent the heart of the Manitowoc‑Sheboygan baseball corridor. Each program arrives with a distinct storyline: some are chasing long‑awaited returns to the state stage, others are riding unbeaten streaks, and a few are looking to rewrite their own postseason narratives.
Cedar Grove‑Belgium Leads the Pack
Cedar Grove‑Belgium enters as the No. 1 seed in its Division 3 half sectional and carries the memory of its last state tournament appearance in 1984. The team’s path to the regional final is likely to pass through No. 4 seeded St. Mary Springs, a matchup that could test the squad’s depth and poise.
Elkhart Lake‑Glenbeulah Eyes a Historic Return
Elkhart Lake‑Glenbeulah holds the No. 3 seed in its Division 4 half sectional and last made the state tournament in 1987. The team’s most probable regional championship opponent is No. 2 seed Reedsville, a rivalry that promises a tightly contested battle for a spot in Grand Chute.
Kiel’s Undefeated Run
Kiel stands as the No. 1 seed in its Division 2 half sectional and remains unbeaten, earning the No. 2 ranking in the division. The team’s anticipated regional final showdown is against No. 4 seed Waupaca, a contest that could cement Kiel’s status as a front‑runner heading into the later rounds.
Random Lake Seeks Fourth State Trip
Random Lake is seeded second in the same half sectional as Cedar Grove‑Belgium and is aiming for its fourth-ever appearance at the state level. The team’s most likely regional final rival is No. 3 seeded Living Word Lutheran, a matchup that could determine whether the Lakers extend their storied postseason run.
Reedsville’s First State Bid
Reedsville is chasing its inaugural state tournament berth. As the No. 2 seed in its division, the team is slated to meet Elkhart Lake‑Glenbeulah in the regional championship, a game that could mark a breakthrough for a program longing for its first taste of the state stage.
With the tournament bracket taking shape, the excitement among players, coaches, and fans is palpable. Each game promises a blend of tradition and fresh ambition, as the Manitowoc‑Sheboygan region looks to add new chapters to its baseball legacy.