This Week in Athletics

Girls' Basketball

In a rematch of last year’s sectional semi-final, the Hawks took on Cambridge on Thursday, March 6th. In a tight game, the Hawks held off strong post-play from the Blue Jays, who had a size advantage. Heading into halftime with a one-point advantage, the Hawks eventually stretched that to a 10-point lead in the second half, winning 78-68. Defensive pressure continues to be the theme for the entire postseason. The defense forced 24 turnovers from the Blue Jays, including 15 steals, that led to an impressive 28 points off turnovers. JJ Barnes ’25 led the Hawks with 22 points, while Meg Decker ’25 added 19 and Amiyah Galica ’26 scored 14. 

Playing to earn a repeat trip to the state tournament, the team took on Westfield in the sectional final on Saturday, March 8th. Leading from the get-go, the Hawks cruised to victory, clinching a spot in the WIAA State Tournament with a 67-33 victory over the Pioneers. Holding Westfield’s leading scorer well below her average, the Hawks saw Barnes score 30, with Galica and Decker adding 12 and 11 points, respectively. A dominant force on the boards, the Hawks out-rebounded the Pioneers 45-19, with Barnes pulling down 16. 

 

Boys' Basketball

In the regional semi-final at Milwaukee South Division on Friday, March 7th, the Hawks took on Salam and won a tight game 58-53. After a long scoring drought in the first half, the boys went into the half trailing 24-20. Fortunately, they made enough plays in the second half to win. “It was a crazy day in our sectional,” said Coach Atanasoff.  “Two top 10 teams lost at home (Howards Grove and Kohler), and our opponent tomorrow night won on a buzzer-beater after beating Clinton two previous times by lopsided scores.” Carsen Eeg ’25 led the Hawks with 14 points and seven assists. Chandler Perry ’27 scored all 11 points in the second half and grabbed 10 rebounds. Dalton Ahlensdorf ’27 finished with 12 points for the Hawks. 

The following day, the Hawks traveled to the packed Deerfield gym and took on the Demons in the regional championship game. Coming in on a 17-game winning streak, Deerfield played the Hawks closely the entire game. The Hawks prevailed, ultimately winning 47-42. Trailing 19-18 at the half, the Hawks took the lead early in the second half and fought through the back-and-forth affair to win the regional title. “All those close losses in the regular season with our young group – I feel they were all preparing us for last night and tonight,” said Coach Atanasoff. Ryan Vanoss ’27 led the Hawks with 13 points. Eeg added 12 points and four steals, while Ahlensdorf grabbed 10 rebounds. 

Continuing their stretch of close playoff games, the team took on #1 seed Cambridge in the sectional semi-final at Elkhorn High School on Wednesday, March 12th. Battle-tested in the Metro Classic Conference, the boys were no stranger to playing strong opponents. A close game throughout, featuring five ties and nine lead changes, the Blue Jays forced overtime as they made three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation. In overtime, the Hawks were able to pull away to win 57-52. “What an atmosphere,” said Coach Jason Atanasoff. “So proud of the way our boys battled all game and to compose themselves that quickly between regulation and overtime and dig deep to pull this one out was truly impressive.” Perry led the Hawks with 21 points, including 7 for eight shooting from the free throw line. Ahlensdorf added a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. For more on the game, check out this article on the Racine County Eye. The boys will take on Cedar Grove-Belgium in the sectional final on Saturday, March 15th. 

 

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 15th

• Boys’ Basketball Sectional Final vs Cedar Grove-Belgium | 5PM | Whitefish Bay High School | Tickets

Thursday, March 20th

• Boys’ and Girls’ Track Invitational | 4PM | UW-Parkside