Bound For Glory

Prairie du Chien Blackhawks going to State

By Ted Pennekamp

The Prairie du Chien Blackhawks won a thrilling basketball game 59-49 against East Troy on Saturday night in Waunakee to advance to the state tournament for the first time in 30 years. East Troy was heavily favored but the Hawks played with great determination by limiting East Troy to only five offensive rebounds, taking care of the basketball, and hitting 14 of 16 free throws in the last two minutes of the game.

The Hawks jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the game. Connor George scored on a driving basket and completed the free throw for a 3-point play. Chas Sagedahl hit a 3-pointer from the left corner as the Hawks played with great confidence on the offensive end. East Troy came storming back after the time-out to tie the score at the 9-minute mark in the first half by hitting consecutive 3-pointers. East Troy extended the lead late in the first half by 5 as the Hawks were down 27-22 at the end of the half.

In the second half, East Troy struck first with a basket to extend the lead to 7 points. A key momentum play in the game took place at the 14-minute mark. The Hawks forced East Troy into five fouls and Nate Banasik hit a 15-foot jump shot as the Hawks showed East Troy that the Hawks are here to stay. The Hawks scored consecutive baskets the next two possessions to pull within 2 points. The next five minutes of the second half was back and forth as the Hawks scored on five straight possessions but still were down by 3 points with 4 minutes to go in the game. 

The Blackhawks went to work with a great bounce pass by Wesley Schwager to Chas Sagedahl for lay-up to cut the lead to 1 point. On the next possession, Casey Hogenson was fouled on a 3-point attempt and hit 2 out of 3 free throws as Prairie took its first lead of the second half at the 2:36 mark. The Hawks played great defense and the combination of Nathan Banasik, Chas Sagedahl and Casey Hogenson went 16 of 18 from the free throw line to complete the tremendous Division 3 sectional final win for the right to play in the state tournament on Thursday, March 17 at 1:35 p.m.

The Hawks were paced by Nathan Banasik with 21 points and 9 rebounds, with 19 points coming in the second half. Chas Sagedahl netted 13 points with 3 treys and Casey Hogenson chipped in a timely 11 points. Connor George’s tremendous point guard play and defense led to stellar play on the offensive end for the Hawks. The entire Hawks bench played great team defense as they held East Troy star Jake Nixon to 20 points. Nixon had scored 38 points in the sectional game.

“It really has been a special season for this group of 17 players,” said Head Coach Andy Banasik. “The team was picked to finish third in the Southwest Wisconsin Conference and became conference champions with a perfect 10-0 record. They became regional champions and sectional champions by upsetting East Troy who was heavily favored to beat us. They have really formed what I call a team as seven different players have led us in scoring during the season. The sum is greater than its parts.” 

Banasik also praised the fans for their support throughout the season and during the playoff run. 

“The community has been great showing their support for this team as the gyms have always been filled with two-thirds Prairie du Chien fans,” said Banasik. “What a sixth man we have this year with our students, parents, and community members. We’re looking to get one more win so we have the chance to play for a state championship.”

The Blackhawks will play Waupon on Thursday afternoon. Tickets went on sale today (Monday, March 14) at noon and fan bus sign-up will take place at the high school until Wednesday. The Prairie du Chien School District will have a pep rally on Wednesday, March 16 at 9 a.m. to send the team off to Kohl Center in Madison.

The story and photos of the sectional semifinal game in Richland Center are on pages 14, 15 and 16 of today’s Courier Press.