Wildcats down larger foes to open season 2-0

Nov. 22

Lena 75, Merrill 31

The Lena Wildcats, runners-up in the WIAA Division 5 girls basketball tournament last March, started the 2024-25 season with impressive victories over a pair of Division 2 opponents on their home court last week.

In a battle of last year’s conference champions, Lena of the M&O Conference outlasted Marinette of the North Eastern Conference 60-54 on Nov. 19.

The Wildcats went on to rout Merrill of the Wisconsin Valley Conference 75-31 on Nov. 22.

Lena scored the first seven points of the game and never looked back. The Bluejays managed to pull within five points at 14-9 early in the first half, but the Wildcats slowly pulled away and led 34-19 at the half.

Extending the lead to 42-24 with 14:17 to play, the Wildcats ended the game on a 33-7 run.

M&O Player of the Year Eva Brooks nearly matched Merrill’s entire team with 30 points. Brooks connected on 13 2-point baskets, one 3-point play and a free throw.

Junior Madilyn Thomson (22) and senior Kali Fischer (12) also finished in double figures.

Brooks pulled down 11 rebounds, with Hannah Thomson grabbing eight and Madilyn Thomson getting seven.

Hannah Thomson led with eight assists, and Brooks had five. Brooks tallied five steals, while Madilyn Thomson and Fischer each had four.

Marion/Tigerton 50, Port Edwards 30

Marion/Tigerton had little trouble dispensing of Port Edwards 50-30.

The visitors led 22-9 at the break and outscored their hosts 28-21 in the second half.

Oneida Nation 85, Bowler 39

Oneida Nation scored almost as many points in the first half as Bowler did all game in an 85-39 win.

The home team led 38-16 at the break and outscored Bowler 47-23 in the second half.

Shawano 53, Pulaski 45

Gillett 52, Green Bay NEW Lutheran/Providence Academy 33