SPORTS
Basketball makes state, Kowalewski plays key role Wyatt O’Loughlin ’16
The Hilltopper basketball team started the season determined to advance to state after a heartbreaking loss to West Allis Central in the sectional final last year, despite finishing the regular season with a 13–1 record.
Athletic Director Bob Herman ’85, praised Kowalewski’s performance, “He’s a great leader and disciplinarian. He has high expectations of the players in and out of school. Coach Kowalewski did a great job this year.”
This year, the Hilltoppers topped the conference again with an impressive 12–2 record before pushing through sectionals, earning a trip to state play at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Kowalewki says the team never gave up. “We’ve always had a never-quit attitude.” This perseverance not only speaks to the powerful results of a good coach, but also to the positive outcomes that come with teamwork and overcoming mental challenges.
In his second year as head basketball coach, Casey Kowalewski ’98 showed his ability to guide and lead a victorious team. MUHS
Ironically, this year’s sectional final took place at West Allis Central, home to the team that beat them in the sectional final last year. This year, the Hilltoppers faced off against a tough Milwaukee Riverside Tigers team in a 59-58 duel. Led by senior Job Alexander ’16 (who had 24 points) and support from an enthusiastic MUHS fan section, the Hilltoppers made a key stop with six seconds left in the game to keep the Tigers from delivering a buzzer-beating defeat. Brady Briska ’16, one of the seven seniors on the roster that day, reflects on the win. “The team had a great spirit about it after the win. We were really excited about how we won, and how we could go to state. We knew it was going to be a challenge, but at the time, it was great getting by Riverside.” Heading into the state tournament, the team was confident and excited. “Going into the game, the chemistry was super supportive and fun,” Nate Klein ’16 says of his state experience. “We were all on the same page, it was like playing JV basketball all over again.” Unfortunately, the Muskego Warriors defeated the Hilltoppers 62–54, with 25 points from the conference’s leading scorer, Caleb Wagner.
Head basketball coach, Casey Kowalewski ’98, who played on the Hilltoppers varsity basketball team his sophomore, junior and senior year. Photo by VIP Photography Opposite: The basketball team prior to tip off vs. Muskego at the state semi-finals at the Kohl Center in Madison. Photo by Jon Irias ’17
Although the Hilltoppers did lose at state, Herman reflects on the season as positive. “The Hilltoppers were competitive, they were great sports, they did very well in conference games and non-conference games, and then it was a great run through the playoffs. There were some incredibly exciting games, some great fan participation, and great support. Overall, it was a great community builder, so congratulations to the players.”
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