Slinger Owls Soar Into WIAA D2 State Final

Owls overcome halftime deficit to defeat McFarland 83-56 and advance to championship game

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Slinger Owls boys basketball team overcame a halftime deficit to defeat McFarland 83-56 in the WIAA Division 2 state semifinal game. After trailing 30-29 at the half, Slinger turned up the defensive intensity and tempo in the second half, sparking a dominant offensive performance led by seniors Jack Kohnen and Bryson Fogle. The win marks the first state tournament victory in program history for Slinger, who will now face Whitefish Bay in the Division 2 state championship game.

Why it matters

Slinger's come-from-behind victory showcases the team's resilience and ability to make key adjustments, qualities that will serve them well in the state title game. The Owls' first-ever state tournament win also represents a significant milestone for the program, which has never before reached this level of postseason success.

The details

Slinger got off to a strong start, leading by as many as 11 points, before McFarland tightened the game up before halftime. In the second half, the Owls ramped up their defensive intensity and ball movement, sparking a dominant offensive performance. Seniors Jack Kohnen (35 points, 10 rebounds) and Bryson Fogle (20 points) led the way, with the team's chemistry and commitment to their up-tempo style of play proving to be the difference.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Slinger trailed 30-29 at halftime before rallying in the second half.

The players

Alex Lavine

Head coach of the Slinger Owls boys basketball team.

Jack Kohnen

Senior forward for the Slinger Owls who scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.

Bryson Fogle

Senior guard for the Slinger Owls who scored 20 points in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about wearing them down... making them play 94 feet for 36 minutes. It's something that we preach all the time... it's just a part of our identity.”

— Alex Lavine, Head Coach

“We got guys who work every day in practice. I think that translates to the game well, and it showed today.”

— Bryson Fogle, Senior Guard

“At halftime, we thought we weren't executing the right way... I was the one that kind of started it off... once we got the crowd going a little bit, the team's all hyped up.”

— Jack Kohnen, Senior Forward

What’s next

Slinger will face Whitefish Bay in the WIAA Division 2 state championship game on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The Owls defeated Whitefish Bay twice during the regular season, winning 56-55 and 58-56.

The takeaway

Slinger's come-from-behind victory showcases the team's resilience, defensive intensity, and commitment to their up-tempo style of play - qualities that will serve them well as they pursue the program's first-ever state championship.