The WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament 2026 was one of the major high school basketball events in Wisconsin, bringing together teams from across the state for a chance to compete at the highest level of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) postseason. The 2026 State Boys Basketball Tournament was the 110th edition and was held from March 19 through March 21 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
The tournament featured five divisions, allowing schools to compete within an appropriate competitive structure. Each division sent four teams to the state tournament, creating a single-elimination format in which every game carried significant importance. The state field was determined after regional and sectional competition, with WIAA using a computer formula to seed the state tournament.
WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament 2026 Schedule
The road to the state championship began well before the games at the Kohl Center. For the 2026 tournament, regional games were played in early March, followed by sectional competition. The sectional championship games on March 14 determined the teams that would advance to the state tournament.
The state tournament then took place over three days. Divisions 3 and 4 opened the championship event on Thursday, March 19. Division 5 and Division 2 games followed on Friday, March 20, while Division 1 also played its semifinals that evening. Championship games were held on Saturday, March 21.
| Division | State Tournament Dates | 2026 Champion | Championship Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | March 20–21 | Wisconsin Lutheran | Madison Memorial |
| Division 2 | March 20–21 | Whitefish Bay | Slinger |
| Division 3 | March 19–21 | Racine St. Catherine’s | Seymour |
| Division 4 | March 19–21 | Milwaukee Juneau | Bonduel |
| Division 5 | March 20–21 | Reedsville | Southwestern |
Division 1 Championship
Division 1 provided one of the most notable finishes of the tournament. Wisconsin Lutheran entered the state semifinals with an undefeated record and defeated Appleton North 68–61. Madison Memorial then defeated De Pere 75–62 to reach the championship game.
In the championship, Wisconsin Lutheran defeated Madison Memorial 57–37, completing a perfect 30–0 season according to the WIAA state archive. The result gave Wisconsin Lutheran the Division 1 state championship after a remarkable season.
Division 2 Championship
Division 2 featured Slinger, McFarland, Whitefish Bay, and West Salem in the state semifinals. Slinger defeated McFarland 83–52, while Whitefish Bay defeated West Salem 64–58.
The championship matchup between Whitefish Bay and Slinger ended with Whitefish Bay earning a 77–46 victory. The result gave Whitefish Bay the 2026 Division 2 state championship.
Division 3 Championship
Division 3 began its state tournament on Thursday. Seymour defeated St. Croix Central 67–49, while Racine St. Catherine’s defeated Lake Mills 72–66 to advance.
The Division 3 championship continued the strong tournament run for Racine St. Catherine’s. Its appearance in the final followed a competitive sectional and state tournament path that brought four teams together at the Kohl Center.
Division 4 Championship
Division 4 also started on Thursday. The preliminary state field included Bonduel, Cambridge, Milwaukee Juneau, and Regis. Bonduel entered the state tournament as the No. 1 seed, while Milwaukee Juneau was seeded No. 2 in the official preview.
Milwaukee Juneau ultimately captured the Division 4 championship, adding another state title to the 2026 WIAA boys basketball results.
Division 5 Championship
Division 5 completed its semifinals on Friday morning. Reedsville entered the state tournament as the No. 1 seed, followed by Prentice, Southwestern, and Sheboygan Lutheran. The semifinal games were scheduled for the morning of March 20, with the championship game taking place Saturday morning.
Reedsville finished the tournament as the Division 5 champion, while Southwestern was the championship opponent.
Why the 2026 Tournament Mattered
The WIAA boys basketball tournament represents more than a few days of championship games. Teams must progress through regional and sectional rounds before reaching Madison. That makes the state tournament a culmination of a long high school basketball season.
The five-division structure also gives schools opportunities to compete against programs within their assigned classifications. The tournament’s single-elimination format adds another element because one difficult game can end a team’s championship journey.
For players, the event can become one of the most memorable parts of their high school careers. Coaches must prepare their teams for different styles of play, while students, families, and local supporters often travel to Madison to watch their schools compete.
Following Future WIAA Basketball Tournaments
Fans interested in future WIAA boys basketball can follow official schedules, brackets, scores, standings, and tournament information through the WIAA website. For the 2026–27 season, the WIAA lists regional games for March 2, 5, and 6, sectional games for March 11 and 13, and the next state tournament for March 18–20, 2027.
The WIAA also approved a limited use of a 35-second shot clock for certain nonconference varsity basketball games beginning with the 2026–27 season, when both teams agree to use it under the applicable rules.
Final Thoughts
The WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament 2026 brought together Wisconsin high school teams for three days of state-level competition at Madison’s Kohl Center. With five divisions, regional and sectional rounds, and championship games featuring teams from different parts of the state, the tournament showcased the depth and variety of Wisconsin high school basketball.
Wisconsin Lutheran, Whitefish Bay, Racine St. Catherine’s, Milwaukee Juneau, and Reedsville finished as the five 2026 division champions. For players and supporters, the tournament provided an opportunity to compete on a major stage and create lasting memories during the high school basketball season.
FAQs
1. When was the WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament 2026?
The state tournament was held March 19–21, 2026.
2. Where was the 2026 WIAA boys basketball tournament held?
The tournament was held at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
3. How many divisions were in the tournament?
The 2026 state tournament featured five divisions.
4. Who won Division 1 in 2026?
Wisconsin Lutheran won the Division 1 championship.
5. When is the next WIAA boys state tournament?
The WIAA lists the 2027 state tournament for March 18–20, 2027.
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