My third highlighted game of the WI Playmakers Ball Till You Fall Showcase delivered yet another intense battle as @WIPlaymakers North 17U E32 squared off against CV Select 17U. This one was packed with grit, momentum swings, and late-game drama as both teams fought tooth and nail until the final seconds.
The game started at a slower pace with both teams feeling each other out and making every possession a challenge. CV Select found just enough offense early to take a 14-11 lead after the opening quarter. In the second period, both teams started settling in offensively, but the Select squad gained separation behind the hot shooting of #0, who caught fire from beyond the arc and helped his team build a 32-23 advantage heading into halftime.
Playmakers came out of the break determined to make a push, but CV Select kept answering every challenge. The Select squad stayed composed, made timely plays, and carried a 41-37 lead into the fourth quarter. With the game hanging in the balance, the intensity rose another level.
The final quarter turned into a battle of toughness and determination. Playmakers slowly chipped away at the deficit and eventually fought their way into the lead behind relentless effort and key baskets. Every possession became critical as both teams traded punches down the stretch. Just when it looked like Playmakers North might close the door, CV Select delivered one final response. With Playmakers holding a 54-52 lead and time winding down, #11 came up with a huge steal and converted the tying basket with only 13 seconds remaining, sending the gym into a frenzy.
The drama was far from over. With the score tied at 54-54 and only seconds remaining, CV Select attacked the basket one final time and drew a foul with just 2 seconds left on the clock. #11 calmly stepped to the free throw line with the game hanging in the balance and made both free throws to give CV Select a thrilling 56-54 victory. It was the final twist in a game filled with heart, resilience, and clutch moments.
CV Select was led by #5 @Joaiah.Demske (IG), who finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block while battling on both ends of the floor. Teammate #0 knocked down 4 triples on his way to 12 points, helping fuel the Select offense and keeping pressure on the Playmakers throughout the afternoon. The biggest sequence belonged to #11, whose late steal, game-tying basket, and clutch free throws helped complete the comeback victory.
Playmakers North was led by #4 @calebrombach, who turned in a strong all-around performance with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His energy around the basket and defensive presence were huge throughout the game. Teammate @KamdenKroll added 13 points and provided valuable offense during key stretches of the contest.
This was another showcase game that had everything basketball fans could ask for. Tough defense, clutch plays, momentum swings, and a finish that came down to the final seconds. Both teams competed with tremendous heart, but CV Select found a way to make one more play when it mattered most and walked away with a hard-fought 56-54 victory.
Congratulations, @CalebRombach! A seven-inning complete game shutout no-hitter in a 9-0 win over a good Chetek-Weyerhaeuser team in a non-conference tilt! Grantsburg goes to 12-5 overall and 9-1 in the West Lakeland (conference champs)!
🚨ALL-NORTHWOODS TEAMS🚨
After NHW’s first full year of coverage, we are proud to have our first annual All-Northwoods teams.
To put these 15 into perspective, NHW covers roughly 179 schools across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.