Wisconsin Lutheran, Madison Memorial Set for 2025-26 D1 Basketball Finale

Both semifinal victories set up a marquee state final between two heavyweights. Wisconsin Lutheran advanced after a tight win over Appleton North. Madison Memorial dispatched De Pere to reach another title game.

Wisconsin Lutheran advances in tight contest

Wisconsin Lutheran relied on size and efficient offense. The Vikings featured four starters at least 6-foot-6. They opened strongly and led by as many as 11 points at halftime.

Sophomore Kinston Knueppel jump-started the attack. He scored 14 in the first half and finished with 20 on six-of-eight shooting. Zavier Zens, a Northern Iowa commit and cousin to Kinston, led all scorers with 21 points.

Kager Knueppel added 17 more points for the Vikings. Wisconsin Lutheran won the rebound battle 27-16. They also outscored Appleton North 38-28 in the paint.

Both teams shot well in the game and combined for just nine turnovers. Appleton North kept fighting. Nathan Ramus led the Lightning with 20 points, Matthew Rosplochowski scored 18, and Will Sweeney contributed 12.

The Vikings now chase a third straight state championship. They also seek a second undefeated 30-0 season in three years.

Madison Memorial pulls away from De Pere

The first half between Madison Memorial and De Pere was tightly contested. There were 14 lead changes early and a 33-32 halftime edge for Memorial.

Anthony Miller paced the Spartans at halftime with 13 points. De Pere countered with Noah Maniscalco’s 11 first-half points and Isaac Herlache’s early triples.

Memorial’s defense tightened after the break, disrupting De Pere’s offense. At 11:54 left, De Pere trailed 45-40. Memorial then went on a decisive 20-7 run over eight minutes.

Miller finished with a game-high 22 points and hit six of eight from three. Caleb Liggon scored 20 and was four-for-four from deep. Kimyora Cross Jr. and Andrew Braun added double-digit scoring.

Memorial shot 12-of-17 from three and recorded 16 assists on 25 made field goals. De Pere struggled late. Jack Bookter led the Redbirds with 19, while Maniscalco, Will Krueger, and Herlache all reached double figures.

Coach Steve Collins will guide Madison Memorial into its seventh state championship appearance. The Spartans’ perimeter shooting and ball movement proved decisive.

Looking ahead to the finale

The upcoming matchup features two contrasting strengths. Wisconsin Lutheran brings size and interior dominance. Madison Memorial counters with elite outside shooting and unselfish play.

Fans can expect a tactical battle on Saturday night. The Vikings and Spartans square off in the 2025-26 D1 Basketball Finale.

Filmogaz.com will provide further coverage and postgame analysis after the championship.