Thunder rolls, Phantoms fall: Green Bay teams split results at Fiserv Forum showcase

MILWAUKEE — Two Green Bay area programs experienced opposite results Saturday at Fiserv Forum during the Deer District Prep Showcase, as Seymour (14-0) delivered a dominant performance while West De Pere (9-3)  faced a challenging test on one of Wisconsin basketball’s biggest stages.

Seymour opened the first game of the day and set the tone early in its matchup, rolling to an 85-48 victory behind impressive shooting, physical rebounding and consistent defensive pressure. The Thunder built separation quickly and never allowed the game to tighten, showcasing depth and efficiency throughout the afternoon.

Senior Kyler Marks was the catalyst from the opening tip, controlling the game on both ends of the floor. Marks finished with a game-high 25 points and 14 rebounds, repeatedly creating second chance opportunities for the Thunder. His impact was especially evident in the first half, when Seymour raced out to a 41-20 lead. On one possession alone, Marks secured four offensive rebounds before knocking down a three point shot. By the end, Marks’ performance earned him Player of the Game honors.

Seymour also found early shooting success from sophomore Jordan Krause, who scored all 14 points before halftime while knocking down four three pointers. The Thunder continued to apply pressure after the break, with Isaac Feske scoring nine of his 14 points in the second half as Seymour’s depth wore down its opponent.

Feske said the team’s mindset centered on trust and tempo.

“We were just playing our game… playing at our pace,” Feske said. “Just sharing the ball. Everybody can shoot. Everybody can space the floor. It's just that we trust everybody and their shot.”

Seymour’s ability to rotate players without losing intensity allowed the Thunder to maintain control throughout the second half, pulling away comfortably as the showcase opener progressed.

In the next game of the day, West De Pere faced a far different outcome, falling 92-62 in a game that proved difficult after a competitive opening stretch. The Phantoms battled early, but the contest began to tilt away midway through the first half as the Racine Lutheran offense found their rhythm.

Despite the final score, West De Pere had four players score double digit points, led by junior Jack Wilichowski with 14. Juniors Carson Samson and Cooper Borowicz each added 10 points, while senior Patrick Greisen also finished with 10.

Wilichowski said the opportunity to play at Fiserv Forum was still a meaningful experience for the program.

“It was a great experience… a lot of fun playing in the Bucks stadium,” Wilichowski said. “Obviously we didn’t get the result we wanted, and we’re just going to keep working.”

West De Pere struggled to slow the opponents pace after halftime, as defensive breakdowns and fouls plagued the second half. Still, the Phantoms continued to battle, treating the matchup as a valuable test against top tier competition.

“They came out and pressed us the whole game,” Wilichowski said. “That’s something that we prepared for in practice, but we weren’t quite able to execute the way we wanted to.”

Looking ahead, Wilichowski said the focus now shifts quickly to preparation for conference opponent Pulaski.

“Pulaski’s a physical team… they always play hard,” he said. “We’ve just got to be ready to match that energy.”

The Deer District Prep Showcase gave both Seymour and West De Pere a valuable opportunity to compete under the lights at Fiserv Forum. Seymour left Milwaukee with momentum and confidence ahead of its matchup against New London, while West De Pere turns its focus to Pulaski as it moves into the second half of the season.