Florence will host Wabeno-Laona at 7 tonight in a WIAA girls basketball regional final.

The LadyCats advanced Friday with a 54-43 win over Niagara.

Laona-Wabeno defeated Butternut 48-20.

Florence (21-4) lost twice to the Rebels (17-9) during the regular season, but gained a No. 1 seed in the tournament. Laona-Wabeno is seeded No. 4.

The winner of tonight’s game will advance to the sectional semifinal Thursday at a site to be determined against Three Lakes/Phelps (17-6) or Lena (22-3). A regional championship would be Florence’s first since 2006.

Florence was led Friday by a 25-point performance from CeCe Mills, who shot an efficient 8-of-17 from the field, including 6-of-9 inside the arc and 2 three-pointers. She added seven free throws and pulled down eight rebounds. Twelve of her points came in the paint as Florence consistently attacked the rim.

Kelsi Chrisman finished with seven points and a team-high 15 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass to extend possessions. She also added four steals and a block, helping anchor the LadyCats defensively.

Ashley Peterson contributed eight points, six steals, and eight rebounds. Naomi Millan chipped in six points, hitting 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, and added six rebounds and three assists.

Florence’s defensive intensity proved decisive. The LadyCats combined for 15 steals and 16 deflections, forcing the Badgers into uncomfortable possessions. Miley Vandenheuvel added 12 rebounds, seven deflections, two steals, and a block in a strong interior performance, while committing zero turnovers.

Despite some shooting struggles from beyond the arc, Florence made up for it with second-chance opportunities and aggressive drives to the basket. The LadyCats controlled the glass and capitalized at key moments to build separation late.