ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) - After months of preparation the WIAA Girls State Basketball Tournament has officially tipped off at the Resch Center.

"It is great" says one fan. "We are so excited for our girls, they worked so hard this past year were excited for them, psyched for everybody here".

"I am so excited I do not need any coffee today that is for sure" says Jeff Crowns, a parent from Assumption.  

One student took Neuman Catholic's "Cardinal" mascot to a higher power.

"I thought since they elected a new pope I would wear this as a cardinal uniform" says student Lee Peterson.

One of many creative costumes and signs showing why this is a weekend to make memories.

"We have it coming tonight, it is going to be loud, proud and fun" says Peterson.

Pumped students and proud parents driving hours to cheer for their girls.

"You are doing something I never got to do, take it in because you never know if you're going to be back" says Crowns.

Teams who don't play until Friday did not take a day off. In fact Milton came to Green Bay Wednesday night.

"We want to get them in the hotels, get them settled down, come here practice on fresh legs this morning" says Scott Randall, Head Coach for Milton.

"It is the best feeling ever we have put in so much time and hours. It is awesome we are ready and prepared" says Kayla Marti, Basketball Player for Cuba City.