The #2 seeded New Glarus Glarner Knights hosted #7 Luther on Friday, March 1st. New Glarus came out on the floor ready to score and by halftime they were up 40-23.

In the second half they kept their intensity on high and outscored their opponents by 20 points to win the game. The final score was New Glarus 84, Luther 47.

"I was nervous going into this game because of Luther's size," said Coach Travis Sysko. "They started 6-10, 6-7 & 6-5. However our guys really responded and had a great defensive effort. I thought Mason Martinson did a great job on the 6-10 Bennet Loersch. Jaden was obviously feeling it on the offensive end as they weren't able to slow him down."

Pouring in an amazing 42 points was Jaden Kreklow to lead the Knights in scoring, he also had 3 steals and 2 assists. Mason Martinson put 17 points on the board with 3 assists and 3 steals and Zach Feller scored 8 points and had 1 assist and 1 steal.

Friday night's win earned the Knights the chance to play #3 Mineral Point – who, earlier in the season, handed the Knights one of their only two losses. The home gym was packed to capacity for the WIAA Regional Final and the Knights were eager to redeem themselves.

And redeem themselves they did. New Glarus came out on the floor and set the game pace right away. By halftime, they had pulled ahead by 10.

The second half was closer, score wise, but the Knights kept up their intensity on the offense and defense. The Knights won the game, 68-57.

"Great win tonight for our guys and program. It was an incredible atmosphere in the gym and I'm grateful for the support this community continues to give these guys," said Sysko. "Can't say enough about the defensive effort out of Feller tonight. He shut down one of the premier players in the state in Isaac Lyndsey. Right now it's all about living to play another day and we are looking forward to the challenge of Fennimore on Thursday."

Sue Moen

The Knights celebrate after winning the Regional Championship in a fast-paced game against the Pointers of Mineral Point.

Jaden Kreklow led the Knights with 21 points, and had 5 assists and 2 steals, while Zach Feller scored 16 points and had 1 assist and 2 steals and Trevor Gassman scored 12 points and had 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block.

With the win over Mineral Point, the Knights were named Regional Champions. They face #4 Fennimore, who pulled off a win against #1 Darlington, on March 7th at Reedsburg. The winner of that game will face the winner of the #2 Belleville vs #1 Parkview game on Saturday, March 9th at Middleton.