03/16/2026
🥈 2nd in the State of Wisconsin (Silver Division)🥈🏀
The Union Grove 6th Grade Junior Broncos wrapped up their season the only way they know how: controlled chaos, heart-pounding games and a whole lot of team bonding.
Heading into the weekend the girls had 3 goals — and they checked off every single one.
The prep started 2 weeks prior to state. Game film was broken down — pen, paper, scribbled notes and shared google docs analyzing Westosha and Bonduel. While the coaches studied press breaks and matchups, the girls were busy planning the other important strategy: when they were going swimming and what snacks to pack. 📝
Friday
The tournament tipped off Friday against a familiar rival — Westosha. These teams have battled for three years and it’s always a one-possession game.
This one was no different.
Back and forth the entire game, but the Broncos stuck to the plan, executed their press break and moved the ball up the floor the way they practiced. Hard-fought win against a great team. 💪
Goal #1 – Accomplished – Do what it takes to WIN the first game.
Postgame celebration? Straight to Thirty Goat where the girls had their own table in the corner while parents finally got to relax, recap the game and enjoy some time together. Then it was back to the hotel for what might have been the most competitive event of the night: a packed, very loud over-chlorinated hotel pool session.
Saturday
Saturday morning started with giggles and a knock on Coach Jeff’s hotel door. His wife Karrie — a 6th grade teacher at Yorkville — answered in full teacher mode:
“What are you girls doing right now?”
One of her students immediately bolted down the hallway while the other stuck around and asked, “So… what are we doing today?”
Two minutes later, the team had a plan: mini golf
Some of the Broncos hit Vitense Golfland for 18 holes, lunch, drinks and the Badgers game before getting back to work. Others explored a true Madison landmark — the two-story Target. After careful investigation, the scouting report confirms: it’s still just Target… but with stairs. 😄
4:40 tip off was game two vs Bonduel. A team we knew little about, so the strategy was simple: press, play fast, and adjust on the fly.
It worked. The Broncos were relentless and every player scored on the way to another win. 🔥
Goal #2 – Accomplished – First place in their pool to earn their spot into the Championship Bracket on Sunday.
Paul, one of the parents, found a spot for dinner that night and moved the group to The Draft House, where 30+ people gathered to celebrate. The only foul of the evening? Flat soda.
The girls immediately went full-court press on the waitress and secured replacement drinks.
Great hustle. 😆
More swimming followed while parents and coaches watched the D1 girls state championship at the bar (and maybe had a few extra drinks since it went into double overtime).
Sunday
8:30 a.m. Knock on Coach Jeff's door, 7 junior Broncos needed to pick up the 8th Bronco to roam the hallways of the hotel and get a team breakfast. 2 more to pick up.
With a 1:25 p.m. game Sunday, it was time to get serious.
At 10 a.m., the team took over Meeting Room 3 at the hotel and broke down game film from Winneconne’s last two games — both 40-point wins.
After wrestling away a 6-year-old’s iPad and grabbing a random softball to use as the “basketball,” the girls walked through press breaks and defensive assignments inside a 20-by-30 foot meeting room turned temporary practice court. 🏀
Parents lined the walls.
Players asked questions.
It turned into a full team strategy session.
1:25 p.m. tip off game 3 vs Winneconne was intense. They were tall, aggressive and confident after their big wins.
But they hadn’t seen Bronco Chaos. Coach Dan told the girls to stick to the plan and unleash your chaos. ⚡
The girls pressured the ball, forced mistakes and controlled the tempo. The crowd erupted with every steal, assist and big defensive stop. At times it felt like the parents were in sync with the coaches — the same message coming from both sides of the floor.
Even though the Broncos stayed in control most of the game, it somehow still felt like it was tied the whole way. The intensity never let up. 🏀🔥
Broncos win 29–17. Both coaches agree. One of the best games this team has ever played.
Goal #3 – Accomplished – Reach the State Championship Game.
Next stop: The Nick in Madison.
First obstacle is getting there safely with the ice storm starting.
The State Championship Game
The final matchup came against a familiar opponent: the always tough Kenosha Warriors, a talented and well-built team.
The start was tough. After an early 4–0 lead, Kenosha then went on a run and the Broncos trailed 28–8 at halftime.
But this team doesn’t quit.
The coaches adjusted — swinging the ball quickly and kicking it out to shooters. They even backed off the press for a short stretch before unleashing Bronco Chaos, catching Kenosha off guard.
The second half? Bronco basketball.
Shots started falling. The defense locked in. The girls put on a rebounding clinic on defense and clawed their way back.
With two minutes left, the deficit was just four points. YES FOUR POINTS!
The comeback fell just short, but the Broncos fought to the end, falling 36–30.The second half they held Kenosha to just 8 points and scored 22 of their own.
There were tears after the game, but also a lot of pride.
Coach Dan summed it up best:
“It was an absolute pleasure to coach this team and see their growth this season. The biggest reason for our success wasn’t just strategy — it was that these girls learned how to truly play as a team and it showed all weekend. They built long lasting friendships, trust and a real connection with one another. This team's connection is why they were able to do what they did at State.”
2nd in the State of Wisconsin (Silver Division)
A season full of growth.
A team built on chaos, confidence and connection.
And one unforgettable weekend. 🏀🔥
