BOTTOM LINE: The beginning of the game was slow for the Trojans as they faced a 10-7 deficit in the first four minutes of the state semifinal. Knowing Tosa West’s experience in the tournament, it took them some time to settle into the game and focus on their game plan. They eventually turned the deficit into a 6-0 run in a 19-18 game with 9:55 left. This was aided by Junior MJ Kloskey and Sophomore Jalen Brown’s scoring ability, along with the defense Tosa West played throughout the first half. The halftime score was 38-32, but the Trojans came out of the break pulling away from the Lumberjacks as the second half began, eventually maintaining an 11-point lead as the semifinal wound down. Although Wausau East attempted a comeback, cutting the lead to 9, it was too late in the game by then for a comeback as time ran out, sealing yet another Tosa West victory.
With this victory, the Trojans will advance to the Championship on Saturday, where they will compete for their first-ever state championship in program history. This marks the first time since 1974 that a Wauwatosa West-sponsored sports team has secured the gold ball.
Highlights
- Sophomore Jalen Brown shines bright in his first state-tournament game with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 50% FG (8/16), 66% FT (6/9), 7 Assists, and 3 Steals.
- Junior MJ Kloskey finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 58% FG (10/17), 50% FT (2/4), 4 assists, and 5 steals, showing his status for more potential in the future.
- Senior Jake Hansen in his first experience in the state game continues his unfinished business with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 100% FT (4/4), 40% 3PT (2/5)
- In his first experience with a strong performance, Junior Roman Long scored 9 points, 2 rebounds, 100% FT (4/4), and a 3-Pointer.
- Junior Messiah Chambers with a highlight block beating two players, but he also finishes the game with 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a three-pointer. But the free throw line was his weak spot.
- Nothing but bread and butter for the Trojans, as they forced several turnovers on defense with 12 steals, and 4 blocks, along with getting several key players in Wausau East foul trouble, eventually fouling out two of their players, and continuing to pull away from the opposing team before they could make a comeback.
What’s Next?
The Trojans will play for a state championship later this Saturday at 6:35 PM against #1 Racine Park, ticket information is now available via email.
There are only two words… Gold Ball!
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 took care of business yesterday, now we are locked in on finishing the job this evening.” said Senior Jake Hansen after yesterday’s state-semifinal performance.
Our thoughts:
An UNBELIEVABLE performance by the Boys’ Basketball program in their first-ever trip to the state, basically setting a basis for the state where they should continue to “Doubt Us” as long as they want because now the Trojans proved to everyone that they have a shot to win it all. So moral of the idea here is… just keep doubting us because the playing does the talking on the floor and not opinions about others. Let’s go win that gold ball shall we?
