BOTTOM LINE: From the start, the Trojans dominated the Vikings with their fast-paced offense, highlighted by key contributions from Sophomore Jalen Brown (#24), Junior MJ Kloskey (#21), and Senior Jake Hansen (#5). Mount Horeb struggled to keep up with Wauwatosa West’s high-scoring onslaught as the Trojans maintained a 15-point lead, ending the first half at 36-21. The second half featured Mount Horeb’s attempts at a comeback, briefly narrowing the lead to 8 points, but Wauwatosa West countered by pushing their lead back into double digits, ultimately securing an important 18-point playoff victory.
With this win, history has been made. Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball earns their spot in Madison for the first time in program history. Wauwatosa West has received the #2 seed in the WIAA Division 2 Boys Basketball State Tournament.
Highlights:
- Sophomore Jalen Brown finishes with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.
- Senior Jake Hansen continues his unfinished business shooting 100% (2/2) at the free throw line, and 50% (4/8) at the three-point line, shooting the team’s only three-pointers, with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
- Junior MJ Kloskey finishes with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
- Junior DJ Hennings was 80% (4/5) at the free-throw line with 2 rebounds.
- Junior Messiah Chambers snagged 5 rebounds, with 2 steals, and 2 blocks, although he played with 4 personal fouls.
- Credit goes to the Trojans’ defense as they forced several turnovers and continued to prevent Mount Horeb from a comeback throughout the two halves, especially given the fact they cut the lead to 8 at one point in the second half.
What’s Next?
The Trojans will play this upcoming Friday, March 21 against the #3 seed of Wausau East in Madison at the Kohl Center at 3:15 PM for a shot to advance to Championship Saturday, information regarding fan buses and ticket sales will be posted in the coming days.
If Wauwatosa West advances to Championship Saturday, they will await to play either #1 Racine Park or #4 Cedarburg for a shot at the Gold Ball, and the first time since 1974 a Wauwatosa West sports program has won a state tournament.
Milestones currently for the 2024-2025 Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball team
- First ever state-appearance for Boys’ Basketball
- First Sectional Final game since 2020
- Taking down co-conference champion Brookfield Central in a crucial playoff game.
- Second conference championship in 3 years
- 7 Straight wins against rival Tosa East in four years.
- Senior Jake Hansen with over 1,500+ points and breaking Andre Carroll’s 2015 record for most points in a career, surpassing the 1,274 point record.
- Junior MJ Kloskey surpasses 1000+ points.
Player’s Thoughts:
“We played hard and stuck to our gameplan, and made winning plays all afternoon to come out on top,” said Senior Jake Hansen after Saturday’s performance.
Our thoughts:
Three words… “PACK THE KOHL” because we are heading to the Kohl Center! And oh boy it’ll be a good one! A tremendous season for the Boys’ Basketball program. Witnessing the moment of “Going to State” and cutting the net, a long-awaited reality has finally come true! Especially at a critical time of the year, knowing the school year is 75% complete. But not only that, given the circumstances of our competition, Tosa West has a very good shot to win it all. Expect a huge crowd on Friday, don’t miss out!
EXTRA, EXTRA:
Watch the game on youtube.
Read more stats on WISSPORTS
