Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill boys basketball team enjoyed a great regular season, finishing with a record of 18-4. The Jays also had a conference record of 10-2, good enough for Merrill’s first ever boys basketball WVC (Wisconsin Valley Conference) title. Merrill would move on to have four players receive WVC All-Conference honors.
Senior point guard Quinn Steckbauer received unanimous first team all-conference accolades, as well as co-WVC Player of the Year. In conference play this season, Steckbauer averaged 20.8 points, 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Junior guard Michael Casper was selected second team all-conference, averaging 18.6 points per game and 2.2 assists. Casper was also top five in the conference in three point percentage, shooting 45% from deep.
Senior guard Chase Bonnell garnered Honorable Mention honors, averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and three assists per game. Senior forward Kordell Renken was also selected as honorable mention, averaging 7.6 points on 50% shooting. For leading his team to their first ever WVC title, Merrill head coach Jake Schalow was selected as co-WVC Coach of the Year.
The guys claimed the WIAA Regional Championship over Mosinee Saturday evening and will continue on their bid for a state tournament appearance Thursday night, as they square off with the New London Bulldogs in Antigo. Game time is set for 7 p.m.