REEDSVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – The wait is finally over for the Reedsville boys basketball program. On Saturday, the team captured its first state championship since 1946, ending an 80-year drought and cementing a legacy for the small Wisconsin community.
Led by head coach Ron Prochnow, the team’s victory was also a family affair. Senior Ben Prochnow and sophomore Zach Prochnow, Coach Prochnow’s sons, played pivotal roles, combining for 41 points in the semifinal against Sheboygan Lutheran and contributing key performances throughout the tournament.
“To be able to win it with my dad and him being able to get a second state chip for boys and girls is really special,” Ben said. “It pays off. This is a life lesson and goal. If you put in the hard work and put the time in, I think the results will pay off.”
Coach Prochnow, now one of only three coaches in Wisconsin history to win state titles coaching both boys and girls teams, reflected on the significance of the win. “You know what? If we win the state title in 80 years, I think that we will celebrate that, and they’ll love it. Hopefully it doesn’t take 80 years again.”
The Prochnow family’s basketball ties stretch even further back. Ron’s father-in-law and Ben and Zach’s great-grandfather, Henry Behnke, was a starter on Reedsville’s last championship team in 1946, giving the latest victory a deep family connection. “He was a great role model for me and my sons. He passed away last August at 95,” Coach Prochnow said. “He gave my sons some motivation.”
The championship games, held at the Kohl Center in Madison, were hard-fought. The semifinal against Sheboygan Lutheran saw a handful of lead changes, while the final versus Southwestern came down to the last two minutes. Despite the pressure, the team’s composure and teamwork shone through.
Back in Reedsville, the community came together to welcome home the champions. Fans lined the streets and packed Reedsville High School, celebrating a historic achievement with pride and joy.
Local resident Bob Krueger said, “Just a matter of coming together, the chemistry coming together… this doesn’t happen very often. And it’s just wonderful that this community can see another state championship.”
The 2026 Reedsville boys basketball team has not only ended an eight-decade drought but also reinforced the power of teamwork, family, and community – a victory that will be remembered for generations.
