By Audrey Schiek
Contributing Writer
ASHWAUBENON – On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Ashwaubenon Jaguars (18-4 overall, 14-2 conf.) faced off against the Germantown Warhawks in a high-stakes basketball clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The game, which took place at Ashwaubenon High School, saw both teams battling fiercely for dominance on the court.
Tonight marked Senior Night for the Jaguars and the entire crown radiated with pride for their boys.
“I mean, these eight kids, I’ve been with them since they were, some of them, since they were five years old, some in second grade when I started with them.” Head Coach Mark Tomashek said. “They’re just great kids, and I totally enjoy them. So I’m really happy for them. It’s been a great journey.”
The first half of the game kicked off with the Jaguars taking an early lead in points, showing their offensive power from the get-go. However, the Warhawks quickly responded, matching the Jaguars basket for basket with tenacity. As the half progressed, the Jaguars managed to pull ahead, thanks in part to an impressive play from Carson Dorgu, who wowed the crowd with a stunning dunk that widened the point gap.
But Coach Tomashek highlighted the performance on the court was a team effort, as he said, “If everyone plays their role and if they play their role well, we’ll be successful.”
Despite the Jaguars’ initial surge, the Warhawks refused to back down, mounting a comeback of their own as they tightened the scoreline with a series of well-executed three-pointers and patient offensive possessions. With tension running high on the court, both teams found themselves in foul trouble, with players from both sides accumulating fouls as the half drew to a close.
At the half, the Jaguars held a slim lead over the Warhawks, with the score standing 32-27 in favor of Ashwaubenon. However, the second half would prove to be a different story altogether.
The Warhawks came out of the halftime break with renewed enthusiasm, quickly closing the gap and seizing the lead for the first time in the game. Despite the Jaguars’ best efforts to regain their momentum, the Warhawks continued to apply pressure, capitalizing on their opportunities to extend their lead and maintain their advantage.
With the clock dwindling down and the score tied at 67-67, both teams dug deep, pushing themselves to the limit in a desperate attempt for victory. However, the Warhawks ultimately won the contest, thanks to some clutch free throw shooting in the final minutes of the game.
Drew Tomashek of Ashwaubenon had a powerful game, as he ended the night with 27 points for the Jaguars, collected through seamless plays, demonstrating a high intelligence on the court.
In the end, the Germantown Warhawks secured a hard-fought victory over the Ashwaubenon Jaguars with a final score of 72-76.
Head Coach Mark Tomashek commented, “You know, a few mistakes here and there in a close game, everything is magnified, so it’s going to hurt. But, I’m really happy with the performance and the hard work that they put in.”
The Jaguars remain in second place in the Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC).