APPLETON — The Appleton North Lightening boys basketball team will make its first-ever trip to the state tournament after a thrilling 58-53 win Saturday over Kaukauna.
The sectional final. came down to the wire between the two conference rivals until North sealed the win with two free throws with seconds left in the game.
Appleton North and Kaukauna, co-champions of the Fox Valley Association, battled back and fir all season, splitting their twi regular season contests.
North returns to the hardwood Friday evening at the Kohl Center in Madison in one of two WIAA Division 1 semifinals.
2026 State Boys Basketball Tournament
Thursday-Saturday, March 19-21, 2026
Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.
DIVISION 1
Semifinals – Friday, March 20 – 6:35 p.m.
Game 1: #1 Seed vs. #4 Seed
Game 2: #2 Seed vs. #3 Seed
Championship Final – Saturday, March 21 – (15 minutes following completion of Division 2 championship game)
Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
