Wauwatosa East boys basketball team had up-and-down season

The Wauwatosa East boys basketball team had an up-and-down season, and when all was said and done, there were a few more downs and than ups.

The Red Raiders finished with an 11-13 overall record, but they were tied for third in the Greater Metro Conference (8-6).

East started the season by going 3-7 through Jan. 9, before winning four of five game through Jan. 26, giving them a 7-8 record. But then they went 1-4 through Feb. 16, giving them an 8-12 record, taking away any realistic chance of a .500 record.

Then they finished 3-1, losing at Whitefish Bay, 65-64, in the regional semifinal. They did beat Messmer, 73-49, to win their regional quarterfinal game.

When asked to describe the season, Arndorfer responded, "Challenging. We talked all year about trying to get over the hump. Whenever it seemed like we did, we took a few steps back. We needed to find leadership. In every game, there was a moment in the game that made the difference."

There are eight seniors who East will lose to graduation: Jai'Vionne Green, Najee Stewart, Ty Ederesinghe, Cal Rohde, DJ Verser, Nigel Stewart, Dan Scallon and Kevin Murphy.

But eight juniors will be back in Dane Mikkelson, Blake Kratzer, Sam Rutkiewicz, Mark Cole, Luke Lindemann, Linden Carson, Evan Ryser and Elijah Flenord.

Honors

Green was named to the Division 2 All-State team and was a first-team all-conference and Now All-Suburban choice (see cover story).

Najee Stewart was named second team, and Scallen was a GMC Scholar-Athlete.

Team awards

There were also awards handed out at the end-of-the-season banquet. Green was named MVP, Najee Stewart earned the Most Improved Player award and Scallon was selected to receive the Coaches Award.

Green and Ederesinghe were named captains.