Basketball standouts savor all-star week experience

A few high school senior basketball stars got one last chance to play a prep game last month.

Port Washington’s Cal Loose, Grady Karrels, Savanna Miller and Norah Merow, and Cedar Grove-Belgium’s Owen Gulke all participated in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches All-Star Games in Wisconsin Dells.

The event included practices and a banquet, and players were asked to raise money for five charities: Garding Against Cancer, the MACC Fund, Ronald McDonald House, Camp Waubeek (Easter Seals) and Hometown Heroes. The event raised nearly $320,000.

Karrels scored 13 points, second most on the Division 2 White team that beat Royal, 113-106. Loose added six points on two three-pointers. Seven players on the squad scored in double figures, led by New London’s Joseph Daly.

“It was a great experience and a lot of fun. I’m very happy that our team ended with a win and on a high note to cap off our high school careers,” Loose said.

“We had a great time doing team activities and just bonding outside of basketball, but when we were in the gym there was a ton of made shots and great competition, and I’m extremely blessed to be around that.”

Loose, who eclipsed 1,000 career points and is Port’s second-leading all-time leading scorer behind Josh Gasser, averaged 17.3 points per game, second in the Glacier Trails Conference, and was named to the first team. He will play basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Karrels also reached the 1,000-career-point mark. He averaged 14.3 points per game and joined Loose on the GTC first team. He will play for Carroll University.

The pair led the Pirates to a 25-2 record, including a 12-0 mark in the conference.

Miller drained three three-pointers and scored 16 points while Merow had five in helping the Division 2 North team to a 96-83 win over South. Five North players scored in double figures. Nayeli Kilen of Milton had 22 points and Hayley Quinn of River Falls had 21.

“I genuinely had the best experience I think I could’ve ever gotten. It was so incredible getting to meet our team and connect with them so well. We had so much fun playing with everyone, and getting to know other girls around the state was such an amazing experience. Our coaches also made the experience even better as well because of the energy and confidence they brought,” Miller said.

“Typically, meeting new people can be very nerve-wracking, which is how we felt going into the three days, but after our first practice and dinner with everyone it felt like we knew each other for so long, and it made the experience great. The practices and game were also such a cool experience that I won’t forget.”

Miller didn’t have to get to know one of her teammates.

“I also loved getting to play with Norah one last time and get to spend the three days with her. I don’t think either of us will ever forget this experience,” she said.

Miller and Merow were both named to the GTC first team this season. Miller led the league with 16.1 points per game. Merow led the league in rebounds with 9.8 per game and blocks with 1.9 per game.

They helped lead the Pirates to second in the GTC.

Miller will play basketball at St. Norbert College in De Pere.

Merow was also a key player on Port’s first volleyball conference champion. She will play the sport at Winona State in Minnesota.

Gulke scored nine points for the Division 4 Royal team, which lost to White, 131-91.

“It was awesome, one of the best experiences of my life. I was with a great group of guys, and we all clicked right away,” Gulke said. “The best part of the week was hanging out with the guys and building relationships with them. It was an all-around great experience, and I would highly encourage anyone who has an opportunity to be a part of that event to do it.”

Gulke scored 1,677 career points and ranks third in Cedar Grove-Belgium history.

Grafton’s Emily Sewell was chosen to play in the Division 2 game, but she injured her foot during track and field season and was letting it heal.