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Wittenberg-Birnamwood Varsity Girls Basketball: A Historic Season, a Relentless Team, and a Future Full of Fire https://create.play1.io/news/wittenberg-birnamwood-high-school-girls-basketball-season-preview/
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. Though the journey ended in a heartbreaking Sectional Final loss, the team’s resurgence as conference champions for the first time since 2017—and their emergence as a state-level force—marked this year as one of the most successful in program history.
From seasoned seniors to rising underclassmen, the Chargers built a culture of accountability and passion. More than just a team, they were a family that competed with everything they had.
Elite Contributions Across the Court
Success like Wittenberg-Birnamwood experienced this season doesn’t happen without standout performances, and the Chargers had them in spades.
Faith Resch, a senior and second-team all-conference selection, brought relentless energy and defensive tenacity. “Faith was built to play defense,” Coach Mechelke said. “She’s tough and never stops. She always took on one of the opposing team’s top offensive threats and thrived in that role.”
But the team’s core strength didn’t end with defensive grit
Rory Salvesen, a junior and already a household name in the conference, averaged 18 points, 5 steals, and 5 assists per game. Her all-around play on both ends of the court earned her a unanimous first-team all-conference selection, building off her sophomore-year Conference Player of the Year honor.
“Rory was a force,” said Mechelke. “She set the tone for us on offense and defense every single night.”
Then there was Melaina Granquist, a junior who established herself as one of the top players in the state. Averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, she earned Conference Player of the Year and an All-State Honorable Mention (Division 3). A rare inside-outside threat, Melaina made opponents pay from the paint and the perimeter, closing the year shooting an impressive 37% from three-point range.
“Melaina’s versatility is what makes her so special,” Mechelke said. “She can dominate inside, but she can step out and stretch defenses too.”
A Season to Remember
The Chargers’ 27-1 record speaks volumes, but the story behind those numbers is even more telling.
“This was an awesome season,” Coach Mechelke reflected. “Getting back on top of the conference was huge for us—it’s something we’ve been chasing since 2017.”
The team didn’t just cruise through a light schedule either. They challenged themselves with tough non-conference matchups, including contests against Mosinee, Marinette, and Stevens Point Pacelli—teams known for their toughness and postseason potential.
“That was a big focus for us—toughening up the schedule,” Mechelke explained. “We wanted to be ready when it mattered most.”
Defining Games and Turning Points
There were several defining moments throughout the season, but a few games stood out for Coach Mechelke and his team.
The matchups against Bonduel were key. Bonduel had dominated the conference in recent years, but this season, the Chargers flipped the script.
“We were able to knock them off,” Mechelke said. “That was a big confidence boost. It showed the girls how far we’d come.”
Another highlight came against Marinette, a powerhouse from the Northeastern Conference. After a tough first half, the Chargers stormed back with a dominant 32-5 second-half run.
“That second half was the turning point,” said Mechelke. “We made adjustments, stayed composed, and completely took over.”
Rising Stars and Player Development
Beyond the stat leaders, the 2025 campaign saw the emergence of new stars, most notably sophomore Harper Rogowski.
“Harper stepped up in a big way,” said Mechelke. “She became our third-leading scorer this year and is only getting better. I expect her role to grow even more next season.”
The team’s development wasn’t isolated to a few individuals. From seniors to sophomores, the Chargers showed collective improvement and maturity, especially in clutch moments.
“This group loves to compete,” Mechelke said. “They always rose to the challenge. Even when we weren’t playing our best, they figured out how to win.”
A Senior Class That Left Its Mark
The 2025 senior class brought more than just talent—they brought legacy. Having played together since elementary school and attended team camps from a young age, they knew what it meant to wear the Chargers uniform.
“They were great leaders on and off the court,” Mechelke said. “They’ve helped shape the identity of this program, and they’ll be remembered for it.”
Their impact goes beyond stats and wins—they were culture-setters. The kind of seniors every program needs to sustain success.
The Future Is Now
As good as this season was, the future might be even brighter for Wittenberg-Birnamwood.
“We bring back almost everyone,” Coach Mechelke noted. “Four starters are returning, and we’re retaining 97% of our scoring.”
That kind of continuity is rare—and dangerous for opponents.
The group of juniors and sophomores, already battle-tested from back-to-back Sectional Final appearances, is more motivated than ever. “There’s a sour taste in their mouths from how this season ended,” Mechelke said. “They’re hungry to go even further.”
With Granquist, Salvesen, and Rogowski returning—and a host of key role players alongside them—expectations for 2026 are sky-high.
What’s Next: Offseason Focus
Championship dreams don’t happen in February or March. They’re built in the offseason—and Coach Mechelke knows it.
“Everyone needs to improve—players and coaches alike,” he said. “We all have to do our part.”
The focus this offseason will be on shooting, strength training, and mastering the little things—all the details that separate great teams from championship ones.
“I have to keep challenging them,” Mechelke said. “We want to stay hungry. That’s the key.”
Track the Chargers
Fans can stay up to date with team stats and player performances by visiting:
https://www.wissports.net/page/show/8119580?subseason=899860&tab=content
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season proved that Wittenberg-Birnamwood Girls Basketball is not just back—but built to last. With elite talent, exceptional leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the Chargers are writing a new era of dominance in Wisconsin high school basketball.
The goal for next season? One step further.
And if this year was any indication, don’t bet against them.)
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