KAUKAUNA 75, WESTOSHA CENTRAL 63
Top-seeded Kaukauna (24-3) returns to the Division 2 title game for the second time in the past three seasons following a 75-63 win over Westosha Central in the semifinals of the State Boys Basketball Tournament Friday afternoon at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
The Galloping Ghosts pulled away from the Falcons late in the game, going on a 10-0 run to give Kaukauna its largest lead of the game at 71-55 with 2:14 remaining in the second half. The Galloping Ghosts had a commanding 19-2 scoring advantage from reserves coming off the bench.
Kaukauna was fueled by five players in double figures, thanks in part to a Division 2 State tournament record 11 assists distributed by Jordan McCabe. He also scored a team-high 20 points, including 8-for-8 from the charity stripe. Eric Carl tossed in 14 points, and Donovan Ivory had a double-double with 12 points and a dozen rebounds. Logan Jedwabny scored 11 points, and Keaton Ferris contributed 10 points.
The Falcons were led by a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds from Jaeden Zackery. Cooper Brinkman also scored in double figures with 17 points to go with seven rebounds and five steals.
Kaukauna attempts to win its second State title in the Galloping Ghosts’ third appearance in the title game. Westosha Central (20-5) completes its season at the State tournament for the first time.
MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON 70, LA CROSSE CENTRAL 58
Third-seeded Milwaukee Washington (24-3) knocked off defending champion La Crosse Central (24-3) in the Division 2 semifinals Friday afternoon at the Kohl Center.
The pivotal point of the game came in the second half with the Purgolders trailing 40-34 with 15 miniutes to play in the game. Jordan Dinsmore made a three-pointer to cut the deficit to three, and then hit another less than a minute later to tie the game. Milwaukee Washington built a double-digit lead late in the game to secure the victory.
The Purgolders shot 50 percent from field in the game and had four players score in double figures. Michael Foster Jr. and Dinsmore each had 16 points to lead the team. Deontay Long added 14 points, and Johntae Martin contributed with 11. Milwaukee Washington also had a 19-9 advantage in points off turnovers and an 11-1 margin in points off the bench.
The Red Raiders were led by Johnny Davis with a game-high 17 points. Terrance Thompson netted 13 points and eight rebounds, and David Hayden scored 12 points with Jordan Davis adding 10.
Milwaukee Washington advances to play in the title game for the sixth time chasing its fifth State championship, and La Crosse Central finishes its season at State for the 17th time.