Cadott fifth-grade team ends as State champs

Coming up as this year’s State champions, the Cadott fifth-grade basketball squad brought home the title at the State tournament March 26-27. The champions, left to right, in front, are Sam Weir, Braeden Allard, Elliot Koenig and Beau Folczyk. In back, are coach Jake Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Max Schneider, Kyle Kowalczyk, Brady Folczyk and coach Aaron Kowalczyk. Submitted Photo

The Cadott fifth-grade boys basketball program ended the 2021-22 season, as the champions of the fifth-grade Division 4/5 Wisconsin State Invitational Championship. They were invited to the state tournament that took place March 26-27, in Kimberley.

Cadott swept the tournament, winning all six games.

The prequalifying games saw Cadott win, 48-10, over Darlington, as well as a 46-21 victory against Columbus Catholic. Cadott also faced off with Cameron, coming up with a 33-21 win.

The three wins placed Cadott into the first through eighth quarterfinal. Cadott played Shiocton, winning 45-28, which moved them onto the first through fourth place semifinals.

The first game in the semis, Cadott beat Laconia, 46-37, advancing them onto the championship game. The championship game, they again faced Cameron, and won, 31-15.

“Jake (Anderson, coach) and I are so proud of these boys,” said coach Aaron Kowalczyk. “Five months of hard work, dedication and grit, has paid off.”

Kowalczyk says it is an honor to just get invited to the State tournament, but to go 6-0 against the best fifth-grade teams in the state, is a great accomplishment.

“This was no surprise to anyone that has spent more than five minutes with these boys,” said Kowalczyk.

In game No. 2, Cadott was down 19-6 toward the end of the second quarter, but the boys did not give up. Instead, they went on a 40-2 run to end the game.

“What a great way to end an amazing season,” said Kowalczyk. “The future is bright for this crew.”