Raiders Aim for Redemption in Upcoming Basketball and Wrestling Championships

MEDFORD, Wis. — The Medford Raiders men’s basketball and wrestling teams are gearing up for pivotal competitions this weekend. The basketball team embarks on a critical road trip to Wisconsin, facing off against Horizon League opponents, while the wrestling squad competes in the Great Northern Conference tournament.

The Raiders men’s basketball team, coming off a successful Homecoming match, is looking to shift momentum after experiencing six narrow losses this season. They are set to compete on Friday night, with fans able to catch the game on ESPN+ and local radio broadcasts.

Brandon Noel, who recently secured a double-double in the Homecoming game, has been a standout player, and his performance will be crucial against the tough competition in the Horizon League. The Raiders are focused on converting close games into wins to bolster their postseason hopes.

According to coach Scott Nagy, “We need to take our opportunities and play our game. Winning these upcoming matches can greatly impact our standings.” The stakes are high as they aim to improve their record against formidable opponents.

On the wrestling front, the Raiders are entering the Great Northern Conference tournament at Lakeland with optimism. Coach Brandon Marcis emphasized the strength of his squad as they pursue a championship title against formidable rivals like the Tomahawk Hatchets, who are favorites with a deep roster.

The Medford Raiders have solidified their place in the tournament with outstanding performances, including three weight class champions, two runners-up, and two third-place finishers. They amassed 289 points, finishing behind Tomahawk with 457 points and Mosinee with 319 points.

“We did as well as possible,” Marcis stated. “This season has been a journey of growth for these wrestlers, and I believe we have the potential to surprise some teams.”

Notable performances came from senior Paxton Rothmeier, who clinched the 175-pound title with three pins. Rothmeier, who previously held the title at 132 pounds as a freshman, demonstrated remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament.

“Rothmeier had a tough bracket and he dominated, which was surprising even to us,” Marcis praised. “He’s proven himself as a serious contender.”

In addition to Rothmeier, Parker Lissner and Jordan Lavin also claimed GNC titles, reinforcing the Raiders’ strength in various weight classes. Lissner secured a championship at 144 pounds, while Lavin triumphed at 126 pounds.

The squad is not just reliant on star players; Marcis noted the grit of newcomers like Ayden Tyznik and Ashton Noland, who have shown potential for future competitions.

As the wrestling teams prepare for their regional competitions on Saturday, they are faced with a strong field of teams, including Hayward-Northwood and Rice Lake. The top four wrestlers from each weight class will advance to the sectional meet.

“We’re peaking at the right time, and I trust that our hard work will pay off,” Marcis concluded. “We’re ready to challenge ourselves and see how we measure up against the competition.”