March 9th High School Sports Xtra: Pulaski Wins First Ever State Championship
By: Ryan Rodig
Updated: March 11, 2013
Pulaski (24-4) won its first State boys basketball championship in school history with a 48-40 victory over Wisconsin Lutheran in the Division 2 title game Saturday evening.
The Red Raiders imposed their deliberate style in the first half, limiting possessions with offensive efficiency. They shot 64 percent from the field to take a 21-13 lead into the locker room at the half. Their 1-3-1 defense limited the Vikings to 17 shots and 23 percent shooting through the first two quarters.
Just when Wisconsin Lutheran appeared to be staging a comeback in the third quarter and pull within four points, Pulaski scored seven straight points. Cody Wichmann connected on a 3-pointer and a lay-up off a steal to extend the lead to 11 at the end of the period.
The Red Raiders eliminated any chance of a Vikings comeback victory by connecting on 11-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter, preventing the Vikings from getting their deficit any lower than five points.
Wichmann led the Red Raiders with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists. Luke VanLanen and Jordan added 13 and 10 points, respectively. Deiondre Cunningham led Wisconsin Lutheran with 19 points.
