Some reach the destination they pushed for all season, but for those who do not, the journey can still be a valuable one, which is something the Ellsworth and EPC teams are seeing in a year of hard work and improvement.

For Ellsworth, Boys Basketball Head Coach Derek Staley took over the team three years ago, winning five games in his first season and six in his second. This year, they began to harvest the rewards of their hard work, winning 14 games to highlight a breakout season.

“The work ethic was definitely a part of it, and then just, honestly, being better basketball players,” Staley said.

Through his three years, Staley said there have been a lot of good football players playing basketball with the team, but he said it is noticeable when a group of basketball minds are running the team instead.

A key piece to this breakout was a senior class that was willing to put in the necessary work.

“Nothing but positive things about this senior class,” Staley said. “Just a bunch of good guys that kind of helped turn our program around.”

Ellsworth’s seniors are Riley Maher, Derek Johnson, Braydon Anderson, Gavin Puhrmann and Nash Kuhl, a class filled with contributors.

The game itself was not one that went the Panthers’ way, going down 11-1 to Amery right off the bat, unable to threaten a comeback for the remainder of a 68-44 loss. Threes were not falling and Amery was converting on every opportunity.

“We obviously didn’t start well, and we didn’t do a very good job of handling that and digging ourselves out,” Staley said. “Give Amery credit, they definitely took advantage.”

This offseason has massive implications, determining if Ellsworth can turn the success into tradition.

“Just not being satisfied,” Staley said. “This is as good a season as we’ve had in Ellsworth since I believe 2018, and we had bigger aspirations for this season, and I think that definitely carries through to next season.”

Staley wants the team to target skill work and patch the holes in the players’ games.

Elmwood/Plum City

For Elmwood/Plum City, the year was one of growth. The senior class also played a role in establishing the culture long-term.

“Very good class. There was no drama, everybody picked each other up, they mentored the younger class,” Head Coach Paul McDonough said.

EPC’s seniors are Victor Plasencia, Sean Sagini, Cole Christman, Dylan Zeilinger, Lucas Glaus and Tim Bechel. In addition to the seniors, there are a handful of younger players McDonough is ready to see on the big stage.

“We were young, we’ve got a couple juniors coming off the bench,” McDonough said. “I think we’re going to progress to be contenders next year. We’ve got some freshmen; we’ve got some height. They were a little green this year, but hopefully they grow into their bodies a little bit more.”

McDonough said this year’s squad lacked height, so it will be good to have next season.

As for the game itself, EPC got into a playoff thriller at Blair-Taylor but came up just a hair short in a 79-78 loss.

“We were in it till the end. We had a good shot, they never gave up,” McDonough said. “Couldn’t finish it off, but they had the heart and they never gave up. They played till the bitter end.”

Despite the 7-18 record, the character of the team shined through.

“I’ve seen teams before where the cohesion or the getting along wasn’t there,” McDonough said. “Nobody was selfish. When teammates weren’t having the best time on the court, they picked each other up and pushed each other in practices.”