GREEN BAY — The Ashwaubenon Jaguars (5-19) earned a convincing 62-34 victory over the Green Bay East Red Devils (5-18) in the first round of the WIAA boys basketball playoffs Tuesday night at Green Bay East.
In a matchup between the No. 9 seeded Jaguars and No. 8 seeded Red Devils, Ashwaubenon used a strong defensive performance and balanced scoring to pull away after a competitive opening stretch.
The two teams traded baskets early as both sides tried to settle into the playoff atmosphere. But midway through the first half, Ashwaubenon began to create separation. With three minutes remaining in the opening half, the Jaguars had built a 26-13 lead
Ashwaubenon head coach DeVantae Blanks said the consistency with how the team prepared leading up to the game played a major role in the result.
“The way we prepare for it is just the way we've been prepared all season,” Blanks said. “Just having great practices, executing plays, and just really concentrating on defense. Nothing changed except the playoff atmosphere.”
Ashwaubenon continued to build momentum heading into halftime, extending the lead to 33-15 behind disciplined defense and strong ball movement.
Junior Carter Dziatkewich said the team stayed focused on the task at hand rather than looking ahead.
“[The] mindset was just get out of here with a win,” Dziatkewich said. “Focus on today’s game and then after we get this win look forward to our next game and prepare the best we can for that.”
The Jaguars wasted little time putting the game out of reach in the second half. Ashwaubenon pushed the lead to 44-21 with 11:30 remaining before extending the margin even further to 51-23 with 8:30 left on the clock.
Throughout the night, the Jaguars relied on teamwork and execution to find scoring opportunities.
“Just working together, making sure we're putting forth our best effort,” Dziatkewich said. “Running through our plays to the fullest and just looking for those openings and doing what we know we can.”
Ashwaubenon finished the game with three players leading the scoring effort. Kingston Vang led the Jaguars with 13 points, while Seneca Nooyen added 12 and Asher Abel chipped in 7 respectfully.
Green Bay East struggled to generate consistent offense against Ashwaubenon’s defense. Demarion Brown and Terrance Laws each scored seven points to lead the Red Devils, while Jullian Matthews added six.
Blanks credited East for its effort in a playoff environment.
“It was their home,” Blanks said. “This is their environment. I think they came out ready to play. It was a great atmosphere and they gave it all they got. We’re just happy to get the win.”
With the victory, Ashwaubenon advances to face #1 seeded Notre Dame Academy in the next round of the postseason on Friday. The Jaguars and Tritons have already met multiple times this season, giving both teams familiarity heading into the matchup.
Blanks said preparation will remain the same as his team looks to extend its playoff run.
“We faced them twice already,” Blanks said. “I think they know us and we know them. Practice makes preparation. We’re going to have a couple days of practice and get ready for them.”
Dziatkewich echoed that approach.
“Just keep practicing hard,” he said. “Working in practice is how we got this win, so we’ve just got to keep going.”
After taking care of business in the opening round, the Jaguars will now look to carry that momentum into Friday’s challenge against Notre Dame Academy.
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