The Weir High School boys basketball team had reason to celebrate on February 21, 2025, after they triumphed over their city rival, Madonna High School, claiming the city championship with a decisive 80-56 victory during the annual contest held at the Carl Hamill Fieldhouse.
The game marked not only another win for the Red Riders, now boasting six consecutive victories against the Blue Dons, but also served as senior night, honoring two standout players, Damir Mowder and Anthony Jeffers. Head coach Anthony Santangelo expressed how valuable this win was to the team, stating, "It means everything to the kids. It is a great win. It is good for the kids. It is good for the seniors. It is a beautiful night." The victory also improved Weir's overall record to 6-15, reflecting their hard work and determination throughout the season.
The contest started competitively, winding through the first half where Madonna trailed by only nine points at halftime. Nonetheless, the Blue Dons struggled to maintain pace as Weir began to take control. The key turning point came during the fourth quarter when the Red Riders outscored Madonna 23-9, solidifying their dominance and securing the championship trophy.
Coach Santangelo attributed the success to the team's defensive adjustments made during the game. "We started defending, we rebounded and offensively, we did a good job. We moved the ball. We moved without the ball. We were able to get deep inside their defense," he explained. The coaching staff worked hard to instill confidence and efficiency within the players, allowing them to exploit gaps created by their movement and accurate shooting.
Three players distinguished themselves on the scoreboard for the victorious Red Riders. Justin Kaczmarek led with 26 points, showing remarkable skill from beyond the arc, with multiple three-pointers sinking through the hoop, including five just in the second half. Both Mowder and Jeffers contributed significantly as well, each scoring 20 points to aid their team's performance.
For Madonna, the loss dropped their record to 6-15, perpetuating their struggles on the road, marking their fifth consecutive defeat away from home. Despite the setbacks, first-year head coach Matt Arlia remained optimistic and used the opportunity to prepare his young team for future challenges. "We have guys who play a lot of minutes. We’re a very youthful team," he noted after the game. He commended his players for their efforts and acknowledged the need to improve under pressure, reflecting on their experience facing Weir's aggressive plays.
Arlia remarked on his team’s defense during the game, stating, "We expected them to play zone, but they did not. Coach Santangelo does a tremendous job. We knew they were going to pressure us. They had guys hit some open shots." His assessment emphasized the obstacles his team faced due to fatigue and early foul troubles. The Blue Dons struggled to keep up with Weir's pace but made notable efforts as several players reached double digits on the scoreboard, with Connor Carte leading the way with 17 points.
The support from the home crowd highlighted the energy of the championship atmosphere, with spectators standing behind their team as the Red Riders celebrated their victory. Coach Santangelo took pride not only in the result but also noted the special relationships he had developed with his senior players, particularly Mowder. "Damir Mowder is a special dude. He has played for four years. He has played three sports for four years. We have a good relationship. He is a special kid," Santangelo remarked, acknowledging the hard work Mowder dedicated to both basketball and the school.
Looking forward, the teams will continue their seasons with Weir set to challenge Brooke on the road, another tough matchup. The Bruins previously defeated the Red Riders earlier this season and Coach Santangelo expressed the importance of bouncing back for this competitive rivalry. "Brooke is a rival, and now it is a regional game. It is going to be a good test," he stated, indicating the expectations for the upcoming game.
Meanwhile, Madonna will host Cameron for their senior night, hoping to turn their season fortunes around. With hard work and focus, both teams will look to build momentum as they head toward the latter part of the season, emphasizing growth and learning from each game.