MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Middleton returns to state for the fifth time overall and for the second consecutive year. The Cardinals have finished second in the state twice, once in 1993 and again in 2003. Middleton was co-champion of the Big Eight conference this season with state tournament qualifier Verona.

They'll face Verona, which qualified for the state tournament for the second straight season after making its first appearance last year. The Wildcats topped Janesville Parker 50-34 in the final of the Badger sectional.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)