MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) boys state basketball championship games were held Saturday in Madison.
For teams across five divisions, it was a chance to defend a legacy or earn one for their community.
The Division 5 championship was a tough matchup from the start. The Sheboygan Lutheran Crusaders were hoping to earn their third state championship. The Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates were fighting for their first.
“It was a goal for us, but it was also something we were building to from the last couple of years when these guys were younger, and they’ve never let up,” said Pirates head coach Jesse Cyrus.
The Pirates were up against a team that dominated in the playoffs. Sheboygan Lutheran has boasted blowout wins against their opponents up to this point in the tournament.
That didn’t deter guard Cameron Lipinski, who said he trusted in his bond with his teammates.
“We’ve played each other for a long time,” Lipinski said. “We know each other’s tendencies and it definitely carries over having that good chemistry.”
The Pirates also had the unwavering support of their community behind them.
The Cochrane-Fountain City school district is located in western Wisconsin and includes communities like Buffalo City, Cochrane, Fountain City and Waumandee.
The district had to charter an additional bus to bring the impressive number of supporters who came to cheer on the Pirates.
“It’s just a Cochrane-Fountain City thing,” said forward Porter Ehrat. “You know, a lot of the alumni stick around and are always watching and supporting and this state trip, it’s really amazing.”
That support and the team’s hard work paid off. The Pirates beat the Crusaders 60-54.
As the athletes hoisted the golden ball in the air, Ehrat said they accepted the victory with gratitude for everyone who has helped to get them there.
“It 100% means a lot to be part of the school history, to have our supporters come and it’s really just an honor to have this opportunity,” Ehrat.
