Madison, WI — In a thrilling showdown on Thursday, March 20, the La Crosse Aquinas boys basketball team successfully challenged the defending champion Mineral Point Pointers in the WIAA Division 4 state semifinal. The Blugolds, seeded third, managed to eke out a 57-54 victory against second-seeded Mineral Point at the Kohl Center, marking a comeback not only for the team but also for their star guard, Finley Strom.
Finley Strom, coming off the bench, delivered an impressive performance, leading his team with 16 points. He soared during the final moments of the game, scoring seven consecutive points when Aquinas needed them the most. This surge helped the Blugolds reclaim the lead with only three minutes left on the clock. “I just flushed that last shot down the drain and was like if they’re going to leave me open in the corner I need to make a big play,” Strom said. “I feel like Trey (Bahr) looked for me, trusted me and I got it, shot it and made it. It really gave us a spark and helped us.”
The game was charged with tension given its history; last year, Aquinas lost to Mineral Point with a heartbreaking score of 62-61. The Blugolds were determined to avenge that defeat. They faced adversity early on, trailing by 14 points at one stage in the first half. But they adjusted their strategy during halftime, with coach Brad Reinhart emphasizing the need to punch gaps in Mineral Point's 1-3-1 zone defense. “In the first half we were really passive and weren’t punching gaps,” Strom noted. “When we punched gaps, we could get skips and we could find open threes, that’s where we can really excel and really like to build momentum.”
Vincent Bahr turned out to be instrumental in this revival. After making critical adjustments, he hit three of four corner 3-pointers in the second half, contributing 15 points and leading the team's rebounding effort with 10 boards. His performance helped transform the game, allowing the Blugolds to tie after falling behind.
As the final minutes ticked away, Mineral Point still had opportunities to level the score. Senior guard Jaxson Wendhausen attempted a game-tying three-pointer in the closing moments but was unable to connect, sealing the Blugolds’ victory. “A lot of times when I release it I know it's going in, but that one just didn’t feel good off the hand,” Wendhausen reflected.
After the game, Reinhart shared his empathy for his team’s rivals, acknowledging the emotional toll of last year's loss. “I remember all too well sitting here last year and all the emotions going through your mind. All the thoughts of what could have, should have and what got away,” he said.
With this victory, Aquinas advanced to the Division 4 state title game on Saturday, March 22, where they will face top-seeded Bonduel, who defeated Racine The Prairie School 59-41 in the other semifinal. Bonduel stands at a remarkable 28-1 this season, setting the stage for an exciting championship matchup.
The game on Saturday could prove pivotal for Aquinas, who is hoping to secure their first state championship since 2013. Following this triumph, the players and fans echoed a sense of optimism throughout the Kohl Center, celebrating a hard-fought win that showcased their determination and resilience.
Aquinas fans rallied around their players, embodying the spirit of high school basketball. With standout performances like those from Strom and Bahr, the Blugolds are poised to make a significant push for the title and solidify their spot in Wisconsin's basketball history.
This victory is just one part of a bustling WIAA State Tournament weekend, which kicked off on March 20 with several other games across various divisions. Teams from across the state, including other local favorites, are also battling for the championship titles that will culminate in a busy Saturday of games, set to begin with the Division 5 championship at 11 a.m., followed by Aquinas' matchup at 12:45 p.m.
The excitement is palpable as the tournament continues, and supporters eagerly anticipate more incredible basketball action. Whether through electric plays on the court or the dedicated fans cheering from the stands, it’s clear that the 2025 WIAA State Boys Basketball Tournament will be remembered for its high stakes and unforgettable moments.
As the Blugolds prepare for their final bout, the community remains unified in their support, significant for both players and fans alike, as they navigate the journey towards state glory.
