Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball: From Challenges to Champions in 2025
The 2025 winter basketball season proved to be a memorable and defining chapter for the Wauwatosa West Varsity Boys Basketball team. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Christopher Newbauer, the Warriors navigated a season filled with challenges, growth, and ultimately, triumph, capping it off with a state championship victory that reflected the grit, talent, and teamwork developed over months of hard work.
Key Contributors Driving Success
One of the strengths of this Wauwatosa West team was the collective effort of all 12 players on the roster, each contributing in different ways throughout the season. However, three players emerged as key pillars of the team’s success:
Jalen Brown, known for his aggressive driving ability, also brought a reliable shooting touch and exceptional finishing skills at the rim. His ability to play “downhill” basketball made him a constant offensive threat.
MJ Kloskey dominated the paint with his impressive footwork and finishing skills. While primarily a post player, MJ expanded his range by stepping out to knock down three-pointers, making him a versatile scoring option.
Jake Hansen, a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, also made significant defensive contributions. His hard work on defense was epitomized in the state championship game when his two crucial steals near the end of regulation helped seal the victory.
Coach Newbauer highlighted the unique ways each player contributed, explaining that their different skill sets combined to create a well-rounded and dynamic team.
A Season Marked by Growth and Resilience
The season wasn’t without its obstacles. Coach Newbauer noted some “bumps in the road” during the middle stretch of the year, but the team’s dedication to improvement paid off. The Warriors finished the season on a high note with a state championship, a testament to their perseverance and hard work.
“The season went well,” Coach Newbauer reflected. “We had to put in extra work on areas needing improvement, and that hard work paid off with a state championship.”
This championship run was the culmination of not only physical effort but also mental toughness and a team culture committed to constant growth.
Turning Point: Choosing Greatness
A significant moment that shaped the trajectory of the season was the team’s reaction to their second loss against Germantown. This loss put the Warriors at a crossroads, forcing a critical decision: settle for being good, or strive to be great.
“We chose the latter,” Coach Newbauer said firmly.
Following that loss, a game against a strong Waupun team became the catalyst for a defensive transformation. From that point forward, the Warriors held their opponents to an average of just 60 points per game—an impressive defensive achievement that underpinned their championship success.
This defensive turnaround not only boosted the team’s confidence but also reinforced the value of resilience and strategic adjustments in sports.
Players Who Stepped Up
Throughout the season, several players grew into more prominent roles, demonstrating both individual development and a commitment to team success.
DJ Hennings emerged as a full-time starter and quickly became the team’s best off-ball defender. His defensive tenacity extended on-ball as well, and he capped the season with a clutch shot that forced overtime in the state championship game.
Max Gogin, coming off the bench, developed into one of the team’s most reliable three-point shooters, providing crucial scoring depth.
Roman Long embraced his role as a tough defender and slasher, buying into the team’s system and contributing important minutes.
Messiah Chambers was the embodiment of versatility and endurance. Known for doing the “little things,” Messiah’s all-around effort was so vital that he played all 40 minutes of the state championship game.
Coach Newbauer expressed pride in how these players seized opportunities and grew into bigger roles, helping the team reach new heights.
Handling Adversity
Remarkably, the Warriors avoided injuries this season—a blessing for any competitive team. They also showed strong mental fortitude in bouncing back after tough losses.
“The players came to practice eager to get better, learn, and get back to our winning ways,” the coach remarked.
This mindset of learning from setbacks rather than being discouraged was instrumental in the team’s ability to finish strong.
Senior Leadership
Leadership was a critical factor this season, particularly from senior captain Jake Hansen, who served as a leader for the third consecutive year.
“Jake matured, led by example, and provided leadership in tough times,” said Coach Newbauer. “I’m really proud of how he handled himself and how he built relationships with teammates and coaches throughout the season.”
Jake’s consistent presence both on and off the court helped anchor the team’s culture and set a standard for younger players to follow.
Excitement for the Future
While the loss of seniors Jake Hansen and Jake Ebertowski will leave a void, Coach Newbauer remains optimistic about the team’s future. The Warriors return almost the entire roster and boast promising talent at the lower levels, including standout Kason Mangum, who had an impressive playoff run.
“Our JV2 team is full of talent,” the coach noted. “Our future is really bright.”
With so many players returning, the foundation for continued success is firmly in place.
Offseason Focus: More Than Just Basketball
Coach Newbauer is not only focused on basketball improvements but also emphasizes the importance of academics and physical conditioning.
“We need to be better in the classroom and in the weight room,” he explained. “These are areas where I will be concentrating in the offseason and at the beginning of next school year.”
On the court, the goals are clear: improve rebounding, reduce turnovers, and make better decisions. These fundamental areas are often the difference between good teams and great ones.
Keeping Track of the Warriors
For fans eager to follow the Warriors’ journey, all stats from the season are accurately tracked and can be found on WisSports.net, the go-to resource for Wisconsin high school sports statistics.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Wauwatosa West Varsity Boys Basketball season was a story of perseverance, growth, and ultimate triumph. With a core group of skilled and versatile players, a resilient mindset in the face of adversity, and leadership both on and off the court, the Warriors earned a state championship that validates their hard work.
Coach Christopher Newbauer’s vision for the program remains focused on continual improvement and developing not just better players, but better students and individuals.
With a strong returning group and an infusion of young talent ready to step up, the Warriors’ future looks as bright as ever. Fans can expect Wauwatosa West to be a force to watch in the coming seasons.
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