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.
WOGO "RadioActive" Award Watch:
Senior guard/forward Canan Huss was a force on the glass and played a patient game offensively, scoring a game-high 21 while senior guard Eddie Mittermeyer was a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line and tallied 19. Senior guard Aidan Misfeldt answered the call once again with the game on the line, hitting a crucial three and scoring 12, while senior forward Keegan Galvez was magnificent in the second half, with all 10 of his points coming after the break.
THANK YOU to our incredible local sponsors:
24/7 & West Wisconsin Telcom!
Berry Global of Chippewa Falls!
Chippewa Valley Financial Services!
Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine!
Chippewa Valley Insulation!
Country RV!
Culver's of Lake Hallie!
Czech Law Office!
Fries Financial Group!
Grace Home Respiratory!
Lakeland University!
McDonell Area Catholic Schools!
Nicolet Bank!
Hiess-Loken & Associates!
Holly Bowe of Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Realtors!
Kurth Heating and Cooling!
Northwestern Bank!
Post Glass & Mirror!
Quality Propane and Fuels!
River Country Co-op!
Royal Credit Union!
Stelter, Inc!
The Medicine Shoppe of Chippewa Falls and Menomonie!
Trust Point!
Toycen Ford of Chippewa Falls!
WESTconsin Credit Union!
White City Glass!
Wiersgalla Plumbing and Heating!
Winn Family Dentistry of Chippewa Falls!