The Cougar fans were loud. The basketball was physical. And for the first half, Craig matched the sectional’s number-one seed and state-ranked Kettle Moraine shot for shot.
But in the end, the Cougars fell to the Lasers by a score of 56-43 at Elkhorn in Saturday, Mar. 9.
The team finished the year with a record of 19-9 and played some of the best basketball when it counted most. The defeated Middleton and Waunakee to claim the regional championship and advance to the sectional, coming one win shy of their first state tournament appearance in 20 years. It was also their deepest tournament run since the 2007 team made it to the sectional final.
“Coach told us we can’t hang our heads,” said senior Jackson Bertagnoli.
The Cougars advanced to Saturday’s sectional final with a 74-71 win over conference rival Sun Prairie West at Waunakee on Thursday, Mar. 7. Chris Smith, Jr., the Wolves’ leading scorer, dropped 39 points, but Craig’s defense and sharp-shooting offense were able to keep them at bay.
Carson McCormick led the way for the Cougars with 23 points, and Jackson Bertagnoli and Judson Henkel contributed clutch free throws down the stretch.
This story will be updated.