Wynot will face old nemesis in State Tourney opener

HARTINGTON — The seeds say No. 3 vs. No. 6. The matchup says something far more intriguing.

When Wynot takes the floor Wednesday night against Falls City Sacred Heart for their first- round State Tournament game, it will be a clash of styles — and a test of whether grit and defensive pressure can overcome depth and balance.

For the Blue Devils, the formula is clear. Everything starts in the paint.

Wynot will go as far as Kenna Oligmueller takes them.

The senior post has been the anchor all season with 355 points and 184 rebounds, while adding 38 blocks and 91 steals — rare defen - sive numbers for a player who lives in the paint. Against Sacred Heart’s Hallie Jones (253 points, 184 rebounds), the interior battle could define the game.

If Oligmueller controls the glass and stays out of foul trouble, Wynot gains its biggest edge.

Sacred Heart brings balance. Avery Santo (309 points), Bailey Le - merond (287) and Daycee Witt (241 points, 112 assists) give the Irish multiple scoring options. They can spread the floor and make teams pay if help defense rotates late. That means Wynot’s guards must be sharp.

Addison Sharpe (237 points) and Haley Wieseler (245) provide the outside scoring punch.

When Sharpe is hitting from deep and Wieseler is attacking gaps, defenses can’t collapse on Oligmuel - ler.

Jaylin Geisen (137 points, 47 assists, 70 steals) will likely draw key defensive assignments.

Her ability to disrupt passing lanes could slow Sacred Heart’s rhythm oense.

Wynot thrives when games turn scrappy.

With multiple players over 30 steals and a willingness to rebound by committee, the Lady Blue Devils are comfortable in physical, posses sion-by-possession contests.

Sacred Heart prefers balance and ball movement. Wynot prefers pressure and toughness.

Whichever team imposes its tempo likely moves on.

Jordan Foxhoven and Makenzie Foxhoven may not lead the stat sheet, but their rebounding and defensive energy could swing mo - mentum. Tournament games often turn on second chances and loose balls — areas where Wynot has built its identity.