December 18, 2020 – Cedarburg, WI – The Cedarburg Bulldogs host an annual invitational basketball tournament to honor Niki Doedens. The Cedarburg High School senior was student council president and a three-sport athlete but tragically died in a car accident in February 2004.
The tournament has Cedarburg boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams competing along with seven other teams (three boys, four girls) from across southeast Wisconsin.
The Cedarburg boys opened the tournament against the Germantown Warhawks; the winner would play the winner of the game between East Troy and Notre Dame.
With the not just the home court, but also a tremendous emotional advantage the Bulldogs played like they were in complete control despite a close 26-24 halftime lead over the Warhawks. Cedarburg was aggressive but focused and committed only three fouls in the first half.
The Bulldogs continued to control the tempo in the second half patiently setting up their offense and converting easy lay-ups, while the Warhawks got a bit too over reliant on shooting three pointers.
Despite misses from beyond the arc, Germantown was able to remain in the game due to second chance opportunities on offensive rebounds.
A few questionable, but not entirely incorrect calls from the officials late in the game sealed the Warhawks’ fate, as the Bulldogs went on a run in the final two minutes that put the game in their grasp and ultimately held on for the win, 55 – 48.
Cedarburgs leading scorers were seniors Drew Biber and Matthew Pilch, who each finished with 16 points. The Warhawks leading scorer was senior Owen Meyer who had 15 points, but also noteworthy was senior Marcus Knight, who hit four three-pointers in the game.
Cedarburg will face the winner of the East Troy and Notre Dame matchup in the tournament’s championship on Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m. in CHS Fieldhouse.
Germantown will face the loser of the East Troy and Notre Dame game in a consolation game also Saturday at 7:30 p.m. but it will be held in the CHS Vintage Gym.
Both Germantown and Cedarburg have one final game before winter break. Germantown will take on West Allis Hale at home and Cedarburg will face Nicolet (Glendale) on the road on Tuesday, December 22.
