MADISON, WI- The Bonduel Bears get ready for their first ever trip to State in Boys Basketball. The Bears will tip off against The Prairie School at 6:35pm on WOWN 99.3 FM.
WHO IS THE PRAIRIE SCHOOL
The Prairie School Hawks are heading to Madison for the WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament after an impressive postseason run. Despite losing a Division I recruit to prep school, the Hawks have embraced their youth, relying on a talented core of sophomores and a standout freshman, Emmett Wassel. Senior point guard Carson Egan has provided crucial leadership, guiding the team through a tough Metro Classic Conference schedule.
The Metro Classic has prepared the Hawks for this moment, with matchups against state-ranked teams sharpening their competitive edge. Head coach Jason Atanasoff credits those battles for toughening up his squad, helping them win multiple close games in the playoffs.
Wassel, a 14-year-old freshman with a high basketball IQ and elite defensive skills, has been a key piece, complementing Egan and the team’s trio of highly ranked sophomores. The Hawks’ success is also a testament to their deep-rooted team chemistry, with players like Chandler Perry and Dalton Hollandsdorf having attended Prairie since preschool.
WHO ARE THE BEARS
For the first time in school history, the Bonduel Bears boys basketball team is headed to the WIAA State Tournament in Madison. Head coach Duke Copp, has led a balanced and determined squad to this historic moment. With all five starters averaging double figures, the Bears boast a well-rounded offense where different players have stepped up each game.
Senior leaders Cade Johnson and Race Anvelink provide experience and stability, while big man Ryan Westrich has been dominant in the paint, particularly during the sectional rounds. Sophomores Quinn Wesenberg and Carter Moesch add shooting firepower, while sixth man Sam Roberts plays a key role off the bench.
Though the Bears have been an offensive force all season, their commitment to tough defense has been their key to success in the playoffs. Led by defensive standout Anvelink, Bonduel applies full-court pressure to dictate the tempo and challenge opposing offenses.
After a wake-up call loss to Roncalli late in the season, the Bears refocused and have been on a mission ever since. Now, with a core of multi-sport athletes who have thrived in big moments, Bonduel is ready to make history on the Kohl Center floor.
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