Slinger Owls Advance to WIAA D2 Title Game

Owls defeat McFarland 83-56 to reach first state championship in program history

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Slinger Owls boys basketball team defeated McFarland 83-56 in the WIAA Division 2 state semifinal game on Friday. After trailing by 2 points at halftime, Slinger came out strong in the second half, playing a more physical and composed defensive game that led to transition scoring opportunities. Led by 35 points from Jack Kohnen and 20 points from Bryson Fogle, the Owls pulled away in the second half to secure their first-ever state tournament victory and advance to the championship game against Whitefish Bay.

Why it matters

Slinger's run to the state title game marks a historic milestone for the program, which has never before reached this stage. The community has rallied around the team, with local businesses and fans decking out the town in Slinger red and white. A championship would be a crowning achievement for this tight-knit Owls squad.

The details

After leading by as many as 11 points early, Slinger found itself down 30-29 at halftime as McFarland tightened up the game. But the Owls emerged from the locker room with a renewed defensive intensity, rotating multiple players to shut down the interior and sparking a transition game that overwhelmed McFarland. Seniors Brett Palm, Colton Mantz, and Bryson Fogle led the defensive effort, while Jack and Joey Kohnen crashed the boards. Offensively, Fogle hit a key 3-pointer to bring Slinger within one, and Jack Kohnen took over, scoring 35 points to power the second-half surge.

  • The Owls and Blue Dukes will tip off at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2026 for the WIAA Division 2 state championship game.
  • Slinger defeated McFarland 83-56 in the state semifinal game on Friday, March 21, 2026.

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 semifinal win.

Bryson Fogle

Senior guard for the Slinger Owls who scored 20 points, including a key 3-pointer in the second half to bring the team within one point.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“I knew I had to go out and probably be a little more aggressive, and that ended up working out pretty well today.”

— Jack Kohnen, Senior Forward

What’s next

The Slinger Owls will face Whitefish Bay in the WIAA Division 2 state championship game on Saturday, March 22, 2026 at 6:35 p.m. Slinger defeated Whitefish Bay twice during the regular season, winning 56-55 and 58-56.

The takeaway

Slinger's run to the state title game is a testament to the team's hard work, defensive intensity, and unselfish play. After trailing at halftime, the Owls showed their resilience by making key adjustments and pulling away in the second half. With the community rallying behind them, the Owls have a chance to make history and bring home the school's first-ever state championship.