Niagara celebrates its regional championship win Saturday over Gillett, 58-54. (Kim Gill photo)

GILLETT, Wis. — Niagara advanced in the WIAA Division 5 girls basketball tournament Saturday, defeating Gillett 58-54 to win the regional championship.

The Badgers will play in the sectional semifinals at 7 p.m. Thursday at Elcho, taking on Oneida Nation. The sectional championship is slated for 7 p.m. Saturday at Bowler.

Coached by Karl Lamoreaux, Niagara owns a seven-game winning streak and stands at 17-8 on the season.

Three Badgers scored in double figures against Gillett, led by senior Jaida Maki with 16 points.

Alyssa Cretton, a junior, netted 15 points and had five assists, while freshman Josie Rock scored 12, all from beyond the arc.

Maki’s shooting was superb. She was 80% from the field, including 3 of 4 three-point attempts, and made all five of her free throws.

Gillett led 29-25 at halftime but the Badgers came back with a strong second half and pulled away after the game was knotted at 54-54.

Oneida Nation is 24-0 but needed overtime Saturday to defeat Wausaukee, 71-70. Wausaukee finished the season at 16-9.

Niagara 25 33 — 58

Gillett 29 25 — 54

NIAGARA: Cretton 15, Gill 2, Maki 16, Oratch 7, Racine 6, Rock 12. FT: 9-13. F: 14. 3-point FG: Maki 3, Rock 4.

GILLETT: Young 7, A. DeBauch 12, Schaal 11, B. DeBauch 3, Long 10, Wickman 2, Franti 9. FT: 7-13. F: 14. 3-point FG: Young, Schaal, B. DeBauch, Franti 2.

Rebounds: Niagara, 33 (Gill 11, Oratch 8); Gillett, 35 (A. DeBauch 14).