March 1, 2022 – Slinger, WI – In one the opening matches of this year’s regional WIAA playoffs between No. 7 seed Slinger and No. 10 seed Milwaukee Vincent, both teams played with a great fire and drive.
Slinger was able to use physicality and size to its advantage early and often, especially when contesting for offensive rebounds.
The ability to create and capitalize on second-chance baskets was a running theme for the Owls and allowed them to gain the lead early and never let it go.
However, the Vikings did not merely stand idle, as they were relentless in their defensive pressure all night.
This duel saw Slinger enter halftime with a 29-20 lead. In the second half, the Vikings defense began to suffocate many of the Owls’ offensive drives, which allowed the Vikings to inch ever closer to completing a rally.
Slinger would hold strong on, never allowing their lead to become less five points.
Milwaukee Vincent’s over-aggressive nature did haunt them in the second half with double digit fouls. That, plus the team’s struggle to make their own free-throws, led to the game slipping away from the Vikings with just over six and half minutes left to play.
Slinger managed the clock and passing to hold on to a 56-42 win.
Slinger’s leading scorers were seniors Matt Schaffer and Ashton Beers who finished with 14 and 13 points respectively.
Milwaukee Vincent junior Kris English led the team with 19 points.
No. 7 Slinger will advance to the Division 2 Regional Semifinal, where they will travel to and take on No. 2 Beaver Dam on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
Other local scores from the WIAA Regional opening round:
Division 2:
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No. 9 West Bend West def. No. 8 Port Washington, 67-62; will take on No. 1 Nicolet, Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
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No. 4 Kewaskum def. No. 13 Waupun, 62-47; will host No. 12 Ripon on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m.
Division 4:
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No. 11 Ozaukee def. No. 6 Living Word Lutheran, 63-60
