Highland defeats Ithaca, advances to regional final

Article Authors: Phil Nee and Adam D. Hess

HIGHLAND / ITHACA, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The Highland Cardinals are moving on to the Regional Championship boys’ basketball game after a victory against the Ithaca Bulldogs Friday night 79-57.

The Cardinals jumped out strong. Ithaca’s only lead in the game was 2-0 at the start. They were down by 24 points at one point.

Highland lead 44-22 and a halftime.

The Bulldogs made an amazing come back in the second half and got within three points at 48-45 before the Cardinals got going again and took the lead back up to a comfortable distance.

For Highland, Michael Esser had 21 points and lead all scorers. Wes Krasisinger had 16. It was 12 points for John Dreischmeier, 8 a piece for Bennett Smith and Caden Washa. 5 points for Landis Newberry and 3 for Gavin Shemek.

Ithaca was paced by Sammy Clary with 14 points.13 points on the night for Cody Burns. Casey Pomering added 12. 8 points was scored by Devon Ihm and 4 points a piece from Ethan Birkrem and Wesley Nelson.

The Bulldogs made eight 3 pointers on the night. They were 3 of 9 from the free throw line.

Highland connected on seven 3 pointers and made 11 of 14 from the line. They improved to 23 and 3 and now we’ll play Royal tonight (Saturday) after the Panthers Victory against Kickapoo by a final of 59-47.

The Bulldogs saw their season end at 19 and 7.

The high school basketball careers of these seniors is now over: Dante Kleinsasser, Casey Pomering, Wesley Nelson, Sammy Clary and Xander Sorensen.

Once again, the final score Friday night was Highland defeating Ithaca 79-57 in WIAA boy’s semi-final Regional Basketball.

Other final scores in regional semi-final action involving area teams:

Bloomer 52, Adams-Friendship 44

Aquinas 87, Bangor 45

Milwaukee Lutheran 87, Baraboo 69

Beaver Dam 67, Sauk Prairie 55

Darlington 72, Belleville 50

Belmont 61, Argyle 55

Lodi 81, Dodgeville 58

Cuba City 47, Fennimore 43

Mineral Point 79, Iowa-Grant 36

Royall 59, Kickapoo 47

Lancaster 94, Parkview 67

Abundant Life 88, Pecatonica 44

Platteville 64, Richland Center 53

North Crawford 73, River Ridge 52

River Valley 62, New Glarus 59

Potosi 74, Seneca 51

Southwestern 69, Shullsburg 41

Mosinee 75, Sparta 74

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