Racine Sun

The Case High School boys’ basketball team is intent on making their 17-year drought worth the wait.

Set to appear in their first state tournament since 2005 after downing Waukesha South 58-47 in a WIAA Division 1 sectional title clash, the Eagles’ now have an eye on the program’s first state title in more than two decades.

“We’ve waited for this moment for a long time,” senior guard Terryon Brumby told The Journal Times.  “I’m proud right now.”

Coach Jake Berce and his fourth-seeded Eagles (22-6) now move on to face top-seeded Neenah (27-1) in the semifinals Friday night.

With the Rockets riding a 25-game winning streak, Berce and Company know nothing will come easy. 

 “It’s going to be a really tough task,” he added.  “They’ve played a lot of tight games against teams that we’re better then, so we’re going to do our best to contain their All-State guard (Chevalier Emory Jr.) and they’ve got a couple good bigs too. We’re going to watch a lot of film, prepare like we have been and give it our best shot at state.”

After a stretch that includes five sectional final game losses since their last final stage appearance, led by All-Conference selections Brumby and Amari Jedkins, Case is poised for bigger and better things. Against Waukesha, the two combined for 31 points and fellow senior guard Adrian Bryant chipped in with nine.

“It’s amazing to finally get the plaque,” Jedkins said. “Since our sophomore year we’ve been working so hard for it.”

Just the fourth boys basketball coach in school history, Berce is poised to join select company no matter what. With his most recent win, all four coaches have now led at least one team to the state tournament.  

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