WWIB/WOGO Podcasts
WWIB/WOGO Podcasts
Chippewa Valley This Week
Chippewa Valley This Week
Back in the WIAA Division 5 State Title Game, the Macks (29-2, 13-1 Western Cloverbelt Conference) fell behind early to the Fighting Cardinals (27-4, 14-2 Marawood South Conference), came within three, but then fell victim to a hot-shooting streak from Wausau Newman, who took a 14-point lead into halftime.
Once again, the McDonell seniors made a furious rally, battling back within one possession on more than one occasion and coming as close as two points. Down the stretch, though, Wausau Newman made the plays they needed to and closed out the championship win in their first ever appearance at the state tournament, while the Macks capped off their magnificent 2022-23 campaign with a silver ball to bring back to Chippewa.
Playing at the Kohl Center for the first time since 2019, the Macks (29-1, 13-1 Western Cloverbelt Conference) fell behind right away to the Pirates (26-4, 13-1 Trailways West Conference), then made a surge, but still trailed by seven at the half.
In the second, however, the McDonell seniors found another gear. After trailing by as many as 11 in the first half, the Macks pulled out in front, working their way to an eight-point advantage. Fall River, however, proved their mettle, not only tying the game but taking the lead late. But in crunch time, for the second time in as many games, McDonell hit big shots, made critical hustle plays on both ends, and held on in the final seconds to advance to Saturday's state title game.
