5 Key Takeaways From The Wisconsin River Falls Basketball Scene In The 2024-2025 Season
The basketball landscape in River Falls, Wisconsin, is buzzing with activity, offering a dual focus on competitive play at both the collegiate and high school levels. As of today, December 21, 2025, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) Falcons and the River Falls High School Wildcats are deep into their respective 2024-2025 seasons, providing fans with a mix of intense conference battles and promising young talent. This article breaks down the most recent statistics, key players, and major storylines shaping basketball in this northwestern Wisconsin community.
From the rigorous schedule of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) to the highly competitive Big Rivers Conference (BRC) matchups, River Falls remains a significant hub for basketball talent. The current season has already featured notable victories, tough losses, and the emergence of several standout athletes who are defining the future of the sport in the region. We explore the essential updates you need to follow the action for both the Falcons and the Wildcats.
UW-River Falls Falcons: Navigating the WIAC Gauntlet
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Men's Basketball team, known as the Falcons, competes in the challenging NCAA Division III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), one of the nation’s premier small-college basketball leagues. The 2024-2025 season has been a test of resilience for Head Coach Jeff Berkhof and his squad, as they contend with powerhouses like UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh.
The team’s overall record for the 2024-2025 campaign stands at 9-16, with a 3-11 mark in conference play. This record reflects a challenging schedule where the Falcons have shown flashes of strong offensive play but have struggled to maintain consistency against top-tier opponents. Their scoring margin sits at -3.0, with the team averaging 65.2 points per game (PPG) while allowing 68.1 PPG to opponents.
Key Team Statistics and Recent Performances
The Falcons have demonstrated a strength on the glass, accumulating a total of 900 rebounds through their games, averaging 36.0 rebounds per game (RPG), which is a slight edge over their opponents' 34.3 RPG. However, the team has been clipped in several tightly contested matchups.
- Recent Close Games: The Falcons suffered a narrow 81-76 loss to Carleton at Page Arena, highlighting their ability to keep pace with strong non-conference opponents. They also dropped their season opener in a heartbreaker, falling 68-66 to Central College (Iowa).
- Rebounding Edge: The team's ability to control the paint, evidenced by their superior rebounding statistics, remains a foundational strength that Coach Berkhof will look to leverage in the latter half of the WIAC schedule.
- Conference Rivals: The competition within the WIAC is fierce, with every game against rivals like UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout being crucial for improving their conference standing.
The UWRF Men's Basketball Roster features a mix of veteran leadership and promising underclassmen, all striving to climb the competitive WIAC ladder. The team continues to rely on disciplined defense and efficient shooting to turn close games into victories as they move toward the conference tournament.
River Falls High School Wildcats: Dominating the Big Rivers Conference
The River Falls High School (RFHS) Wildcats basketball program is a source of immense local pride, with both the boys' and girls' varsity teams competing in the highly competitive Big Rivers Conference (BRC). The 2024-2025 season has been particularly successful, showcasing the depth of talent in the River Falls Youth Basketball pipeline.
Wildcats Boys' Basketball: Key Players and Big Wins
The RFHS Varsity Boys Basketball team has put together an impressive start to their 2024-2025 campaign. Their success is built on a solid foundation of team play and individual brilliance, which is essential in the BRC, which includes tough competitors like the Hudson Raiders and Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes.
- Recent Victory: The Wildcats secured a commanding 80-56 victory over Chippewa Falls High School on December 12, 2025, demonstrating their offensive firepower.
- Key Roster Names: The team relies on key players such as Brody Graetz, Cullen Johnson, Eli Johnson, Tanner Bottolfson, and Preston Johnson, who are crucial in their pursuit of the BRC title.
- Historical Context: The current players are chasing the legacy of previous RFHS record holders, including Zac Johnson, who holds the record for most free throws made, and Joey Butz and Jaxon Knotek, who are among the all-time leaders in assists.
The team's performance has kept them near the top of the Big Rivers Conference Standings, setting the stage for an exciting run towards the WIAA playoffs. Their rigorous schedule ensures they are always tested, preparing them for the intensity of postseason play.
The Rising Force: River Falls Girls' Basketball
The River Falls High School Varsity Girls Basketball team is also making waves in the 2024-2025 season, establishing themselves as a formidable contender in the BRC. Their strong start is a testament to the growth of the girls' program and the coaching staff's dedication.
Dominant Performances and Season Highlights
The Wildcats Girls' Basketball team has delivered several dominant performances, showcasing a balanced attack on both ends of the court. Their ability to score in volume while maintaining defensive pressure has been a hallmark of their early-season success.
- Major Wins: The team achieved a decisive 74-44 victory over Chippewa Falls High School on December 12, 2025, mirroring the success of the boys' team. They also started strong with a 62-56 win against Mahtomedi and a 59-50 victory over Baldwin-Woodville High School, indicating a strong non-conference schedule.
- BRC Rankings: The team’s performance has earned them a spot in the high school basketball rankings, a significant achievement that speaks to the program's upward trajectory.
The enthusiasm surrounding the girls' team, coupled with the success of the boys' program, underscores the vibrant River Falls basketball community. The integration of the youth program, which includes an 8th Grade Blue Team, ensures a steady stream of talent for the future, maintaining the Wildcats' competitive edge in the BRC for years to come.
Future Outlook and Local Impact
The 2024-2025 season is proving to be a pivotal year for basketball in River Falls. The Falcons are battling through the highly competitive WIAC, seeking to secure a spot in the conference tournament, while the Wildcats are poised for a deep run in the WIAA state playoffs. The success of both the men's and women's high school teams creates a palpable energy in the community, drawing large crowds to the games. The development of young players, from the youth leagues up to the varsity level, is a clear indicator of a healthy and dedicated basketball culture in Pierce County and the surrounding St. Croix River Valley area.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming conference matchups, which will ultimately determine the playoff seeding and the opportunity for both the Falcons and the Wildcats to achieve their championship goals. The focus on player development, the intensity of the BRC and WIAC rivalries, and the consistent flow of fresh talent make the Wisconsin River Falls basketball scene a must-watch for any sports enthusiast in the region.
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