SMC Zephyrs Reach Second Straight State Tournament

Comeback win over Kewaunee sends SMC to state for second year in a row

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The St. Mary Catholic (SMC) girls basketball team overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half to force overtime and then prevailed 58-56 over Kewaunee in the Division 4 sectional final, earning a return trip to the state tournament.

Why it matters

SMC has established itself as a top program in Division 4, reaching the state tournament for the second straight season. Despite having four new starters this year, the Zephyrs showed their resilience and never-quit attitude to pull out the victory.

The details

SMC trailed for much of the second half but fought back to tie the game at the end of regulation. In overtime, reserves Amelia Virlee and Brecken Britzke made key baskets to give SMC the lead, and point guard Gabby Guerrero made a crucial turnover-forcing play in the final seconds to seal the win.

  • SMC beat Kewaunee 58-56 in overtime on March 7, 2026 to reach the state tournament.
  • SMC lost in the Division 4 title game last year.

The players

Autumn Crowe

A junior and the lone returning starter from last year's SMC team.

Jeff Chew

The head coach of the SMC girls basketball team, known for instilling a hard-nosed defensive identity in his teams.

Amelia Virlee

A reserve player who made a key putback basket to tie the game in overtime for SMC.

Gabby Guerrero

The SMC point guard who made a crucial turnover-forcing play in the final seconds of overtime to seal the win.

Brecken Britzke

Another reserve player who hit the game-winning layup for SMC in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's super exciting, and we want to go back and win it obviously because last year we didn't make it that far. Especially since we have two seniors on our team, so I think it would be really big for them too.”

— Autumn Crowe, Junior (FOX 11 Sports)

“This is a whole new team. I'm happy for this team. They play their maximum effort all the time in every game.”

— Jeff Chew, Head Coach (FOX 11 Sports)

“I was just kind of praying I didn't miss it. We shot them in practice all the time. I knew I could do it.”

— Brecken Britzke (FOX 11 Sports)

What’s next

The SMC Zephyrs will now advance to the WIAA Division 4 state tournament, where they will look to win the state championship after falling short in the title game last year.

The takeaway

Despite having a largely new roster this season, the SMC Zephyrs have proven themselves to be a resilient and hardworking team that never gives up. Their defensive intensity and team-first mentality have carried them back to the state tournament, where they will look to capture the elusive state title.