ONALASKA HIGH SCHOOL – The Onalaska Wildcats, known for their relentless full-court press and high-octane offense reminiscent of Paul Westhead's Loyola Marymount teams, embarked on the 2024-2025 basketball season with aspirations of dominance. Without a football program, their focus remained solely on the hardwood, allowing them to perfect their aggressive style of play. This page chronicles their journey throughout the season as they aimed for success.

11/8/2024 – The Wildcats opened their season on the road against Mumford but faced a challenging start, falling 76-60. The game highlighted areas for improvement.  With that being said Mumford is a really good team and they will make some serious noise in the playoffs this year - two schools without football on campus.

11/12/2024 – Bouncing back emphatically, Onalaska traveled to Goodrich and secured a dominant 97-7 victory. Their full-court press stifled Goodrich's offense, leading to numerous fast-break opportunities.

11/15/2024 – In a high-scoring thriller against LaPoynor, the Wildcats narrowly lost 89-85. The game showcased the offensive firepower that both teams posses.  Both teams play a similar style of play.

11/19/2024 – Hosting Lumberton, Onalaska displayed their offensive prowess with an 82-54 win. The team's conditioning and depth were evident as they maintained a relentless pace throughout the game.

11/21/2024 – Competing in a tournament, the Wildcats faced Kennard and Alpha Omega Academy on the same day, securing commanding victories of 116-65 and 96-61, respectively. Their ability to sustain high energy levels in back-to-back games highlighted their rigorous preparation.

11/22/2024 – Continuing their tournament run, Onalaska defeated Latexo 103-49, demonstrating their offensive versatility and defensive tenacity.

11/23/2024 – Concluding the tournament, the Wildcats faced Alto and emerged victorious with a 95-69 scoreline. The team's cohesion and chemistry were on full display, reflecting their growth throughout the season.

11/25/2024 – In a rematch against Lumberton, this time on the road, Onalaska secured a hard-fought 58-53 victory. The game tested their resilience and ability to execute under pressure.

11/26/2024 – Traveling to Splendora, the Wildcats showcased their endurance and determination, winning 76-72 in overtime. The closely contested game highlighted their mental toughness in clutch situations.  The Cardiac Cats as most people call them STRIKE AGAIN.

12/3/2024 – Facing Tarkington at home, Onalaska experienced a setback with a 67-54 loss. The game emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive intensity and efficient ball movement.

12/6/2024 – On the road against Brookeland, the Wildcats bounced back with a 90-82 victory. Their relentless pace and scoring ability overwhelmed the opposition, reaffirming their commitment to an aggressive playing style.  Both teams play similarly - face paced high octane offense and defense.

12/10/2024 – Traveling to East Chambers, Onalaska faced a tough opponent and fell 76-67. The game served as a learning experience, highlighting areas for growth in defensive communication and shot selection.  Winnie East Chambers plays similar on offense, but mainly focuses on zone pressure instead of man run and jump like the Cardiac Cats.

12/12/2024 – In tournament play, the Wildcats dominated Round Top-Carmine and Burton with scores of 75-26 and 81-52, respectively. Their depth and versatility were evident as multiple players contributed significantly.

12/13/2024 – Continuing the tournament, Onalaska faced Industrial and secured a convincing 77-51 victory. Their defensive pressure and transition offense were key factors in the win.

1/17/2025 – Hosting New Waverly, Onalaska showcased their defensive intensity and fast-paced offense, cruising to a 79-48 victory. The Wildcats’ relentless full-court pressure forced numerous turnovers, leading to easy transition buckets.

1/23/2025 - #STBA was LIVE here in Onalaska in their game against Anderson-Shiro.  This game was everything the Cardiac Cats don't want in a game.  There was no flow to it, with whistles seemingly every trip down the court.  Giving Anderson-Shiro plenty of time to catch their breath.  Midway through the third quarter both sides of fans were screaming and hollering at the officials and Onalaska head coach, Nicholas Tyerman, grabbed the microphone at the scorers table and told both sides to quit talking to the officials.  Very impressive in my opinion that he did that, and the crowd listened.  The Cardiac Cats finish off Anderson-Shiro 81-65

1/31/2025 - Onalaska suffered their first district loss, and their first loss in over a month against Crockett, at Crockett.  That is a hard place to play ladies and gentleman.  Crockett comes out on top 76-58.

2/14/2025 - In the last district game the Cardiac Cats played Crockett at home and pulled off their revenge with a 77-58 victory.  They have some serious momentum going into the playoffs.

2/18/2025 - ITS PLAYOFF TIME IN EAST TEXAS! Onalaska takes down Boling 89-58 as Boling could not keep pace with the Cardiac Cats. Sophomore, Spencer Green, led all scorers with 21 points for Onalaska.

2/21/2025 - Two non-football playing schools here in East Texas face off in the second round of the playoffs.  Onalaska played Pollok Central and pulled off the victory 46-37.  Contrasting styles here in the second round, but Onalaska proved that they could win by playing multiple styles, even a slower pace than they are used to playing.  Senior, Brayden Topkins, led the Cardiac Cats in scoring with 12.

2/25/2025 - Franklin came ready to play and lead at the half 25-20.  But in classic Cardiac Cat fashion they come roaring back and win the second half 42-27 making the final score 62-52 sending Onalaska to the fourth round of the playoffs.

2/28/2025 - I can guarantee that not a lot of people in the state of Texas picked the Cardiac Cats to beat the defending 3A state champions in the Regional Finals, but that's why you play the games!  Hitchcock started off the game in a fashion that most people expected - with a 6-0 run.  Onalaska head coach, Nicholas Tyerman, called a timeout and set his boys right.  They go on to win the first quarter 24-15.  Hitchcock ended up winning the second quarter by one sending both teams into the locker room at half with the score being 51-43 advantage Onalaska.  Hitchcock and Onalaska continued playing with pace each scoring over 20 points in the third quarter finishing 76-64.  For most teams this score right here would be a high scoring game, but we still have 8 more minutes left to play.  Hitchcock hits a jumper that is shortly answered on the other end by Onalaska.  Hitchcock calls a timeout with about 3 minutes left to go after two quick baskets by Onalaska putting the score at 83-71.  Hitchcock is no stranger to being down in big games as they won the state championship last year after being down big against Ponder.  Hitchcock comes out of the timeout and hits a three AND ONE to cut the lead to single digits 83-75.  Onalaska calls a timeout to address the situation but Hitchcock comes right back down after a stop and drills another three cutting the lead down to 5.  With under a minute left to play Hitchcock answers some Cardiac Cat free throws with a bucket at the rim.  Hitchcock gets the ball back and drills another timely three to cut the lead down to two 85-83.  The crowd is absolutely rocking now - timeout Onalaska with under a minute left to play.  The Cardiac Cats get loose and knock down a 2 to make it a two possession game.  Hitchcock can't convert on the other end and is forced to play the foul game.  The Cardiac Cats are able to pull off an instant #STBA classic and beat the defending UIL 3A State Champions!

3/4/2025 - The Cardiac Cats will play the Columbus Cardinals in the UIL State Semifinals.