MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – The boys basketball state tournament closed out the winter prep season as four area teams vied to bring home championships.
In Division 1, fourth-seeded Oshkosh North, which advanced to the state tournament as a No. 7 seed in the playoffs, erased a 13-point deficit in the semifinals against reigning Division 2 champion Wisconsin Lutheran. However, a stellar 27-point performance by Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball, Xzavion Mitchell, wasn’t enough to propel the Spartans to championship Saturday, as a missed 3-pointer at the buzzer sealed their fate. Oshkosh North fell 58-57.
In Division 3, Freedom eyed its first state title in 35 years, and although the Irish advanced to the championship game, their opponent, Milwaukee Academy of Science, was too much down the stretch, defeating Freedom 57-54. Senior Drew Kortz and sophomore Donovan Davis shined, scoring a combined 48 points in the title game. However, the Novas were led by Coastal Carolina commit Devin Brown, who dominated with 17 points and 19 rebounds.
The Division 4 state championship featured Bonduel for the first time in program history. Although the community showed up in full force, so did the Bears’ opponent from La Crosse. Aquinas shot nearly 70% from the field in the first half and drilled 11 3-pointers in a dominant 74-45 victory. Despite the loss, Bonduel brought home state hardware from the Kohl Center for the first time.
Finally, in Division 5, Sheboygan Lutheran sought to repeat its 2012 and 2019 state championship wins. Junior Brennen Hackbarth put on a show with 26 points and 11 rebounds, but Cochrane-Fountain City ultimately prevailed, limiting the Crusaders’ other star options.
Four local teams competed, resulting in three silver balls, but each program still carried plenty of pride.
