The UW-Whitewater men’s basketball team was unable to complete the season sweep of rival UW-Platteville on Senior Night in Kachel Gymnasium. After losing earlier this season to the Warhawks (74-68), the Pioneers were able to respond, pulling away late to take the game 78-62.
Miles Hettinger shined for Platteville, putting up 17 points on efficient shooting as he caused problems for the Warhawks down low. Logan Pearson, the team’s leading scorer also chipped in 15 points, hitting some clutch shots down the stretch to widen the lead for the Pioneers.
Whitewater kept the game close for nearly the entirety of the game, proving that they are up to the task against other top-ranked teams.
“We proved that the last time we beat Platteville, that wasn’t a fluke,” Warhawks head coach Jarod Wischer said.
Despite the loss, this was a night of celebration for the team as they honored seniors Carter Capstran and JT Hoytink before the game. Both had a major impact on the game as Capstran was the game’s leading scorer, putting up 18 points while hitting three 3-pointers and pulling down seven boards. Hoytink hit a huge 3-pointer to cut the lead to two points right before halftime, and led the defensive charge with two steals on the night.
Over their careers, the two seniors have had an enormous impact on the program. They racked up over 60 wins throughout their career, which include a 2023 WIAC tournament title and a Final Four appearance in the same year.
When asked about an overview of his career at UW-Whitewater, Capstran focused on his teammates.
“There’s days that it gets long, you don’t want to be here, winter break days get long,” Capstran said. “I think just the family I made here, a lot of close friends and relationships that I’ll build forever whether we’re winning or losing, I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Capstran, the forward from Franklin, is currently averaging the highest points-per-game of his career, with 12.9 in his senior season while taking on a big leadership role for the Warhawks.
Hoytink offered a similar answer while looking back on his career at Whitewater.
“End of the day, it sounds cliche that people won’t remember the basketball part as much, but the relationships last a while, the friends you make,” Hoytink said. “Obviously the basketball part is fun but the relationships last your whole life.”
Hoytink, the guard from Menomonee Falls, is also averaging career highs this season in points per game, 3-pointers made, rebounds per game, among others. He has also been a key leader for the men’s team this season. Overall, Wichser had nothing but high praise for the seniors.
“I couldn’t be more proud of those two in terms of how they play, how they compete, the types of people that they are, the ambassadors they are for our program, and just the young men that they are, they’re pretty incredible guys,” Wichser said.
Regardless of the loss, Whitewater remains confident that they can make noise in the upcoming WIAC tournament.
“We have a young team, but we can get hot quick,” Capstran said. “We play up to our competition and come playoff time, we can make a run.”
With their win over UW-River Falls Feb. 22, the Warhawks secured the No. 5 seed in the WIAC tournament. They will tip off their postseason on the road against UW-Stevens Point Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
