This story is sponsored by Norm E Lane Farm
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
AUBURNDALE – The Auburndale boys basketball team came into Friday’s WIAA Division 4 regional semifinal having won 12 straight games since its last loss way back on Jan. 7 to Marathon.
However, the Apaches met a team that was just as hot and saw their magical season come to an abrupt end.
Wild Rose won its 14th game in a row by beating Auburndale 57-53 to move on to a Division 4 regional final against Amherst (21-2) on Saturday night at Stevens Point Area Senior High.
The Apaches (20-3) were efficient as always on the offensive end, making 19 of 35 shots from the field and 8 of 15 from 3-point range, but couldn’t shake Wild Rose.
Wild Rose outscored Auburndale in three of the four quarters (the third quarter as 12-12), but by no more than two points in any period in what was a tight game throughout.
Austin Hawkins scored 19 points on 7 of 9 shooting, and Kyle Greunke added 11 points, nine coming on three 3-pointers for Auburndale, co-champions of the Marawood Conference South Division.
Auburndale was hurt by poor free-throw shooting, making just 7 of 15 shots from the line.
Wildcats 57, Apaches 53
Wild Rose 12 13 12 20 – 57
Auburndale 11 11 12 19 – 53
WILD ROSE (57): No statistics provided. Record: 21-3.
AUBURNDALE (53): Cale Weiler 2-7 0-0 6, C.J. Castellano 2-4 1-2 7, Isaac Castellano 1-3 0-0 3, Kyle Greunke 4-6 0-1 11, Markus Kleifgen 3-4 1-2 7, Austin Hawkins 7-9 5-10 19, Jake Hansen 0-2 0-0 0. FG: 19-35. FT: 7-15. 3-pointers: 8-15 (Greunke 3-4, C.J. Castellano 2-4, Weiler 2-4, I. Castellano 1-3). Rebounds: 18 (Hansen 6). Assists: 13 (Weiler 6). Record: 20-3.