Wauwatosa Recreation Department crowns alumni basketball champs

The 68th annual Recreation Department Alumni Basketball Tournament came to a close with three games on Saturday, Dec. 26, at Wauwatosa East High School.

The Greenwill Division featured teams from 1965-93.

The 1991-92 Wauwatosa West team won their 10th alumni tournament championship, defeating 1986-87 Wauwatosa East, 68-67, in the final seconds.

Terrence Purvis led 1991-92 West with 40 points. Other members of the team were Ed Valerio, Kevin Witt, Mark Leoni, Matt Bruggink, Antoine Parks and Rob Hesslink.

The Cartier Division featured teams from 1997-2005.

The championship matchup saw 2002 East defeating 2001-02 West, 86-37. East was hot early and was able to maintain their lead the whole game. It was their eighth alumni tournament championship, with their first coming in 2006.

Leading scorer for 2002 East was Tad Balsiger with 18 points. Other members of the team were Aaron Bielowski, Ryan Fitzgerald, Steve Mathie, Winston Roberts, Peter Gerhardt, Andy Freund, Ben Juech and Chris Braier.

The Beattie Division showcased teams from 2006-14.

The championship matchup saw 2008-09 Wauwatosa East defeat 2010-11 West, 64-59. Much like the Greenwill Division championship, this game was back and forth. The 2008-09 East team held on to win their first alumni tournament championship.

Leading scorer for 2008-09 East was Eric Williams with 20 points. Other members of the team were Michael Cupertino, Tony Walls, Isaiah Buckner, Traivione Hills, Fraizier Reiland, Keondre Gholston, Brice Powell, Vinnie Ingrilli and Eric Neal.

The semifinal scores follow: 2001-02 West over 1997-98 West, 49-44; 1986-87 East over 1965-77 East 50-25; 2002 East over 1999-2000 East, 65-41; 2008-09 East over 2011/12 West, 77-71; 1991/92 West over 1986-88 West, 69-42 and 2010-11 West over 2006-07 East, 60-57.

View the tournament brackets and past champions on the Recreation Department page of the Wauwatosa School District website.