P-W Hands Fowler First Loss, Eklund Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer

P-W guard Grady Eklund (10) scores vs Lansing Christian on 12.12.25 - Photo Jim Pivarnik

In a historic matchup on January 7, 2026, the Pewamo-Westphalia boys basketball team (6-1) handed the previously undefeated Fowler Eagles (7-1) their first loss of the season with a commanding 61-38 victory.

The night belonged to senior guard Grady Eklund, who surpassed the 1,572-career-point mark to become Pewamo-Westphalia’s all-time leading scorer. Eklund broke the long-standing program record set in 2014 by Nick Spitzley, who went on to start 52 games at Northwood University from 2014–18.

Eklund’s milestone performance came against one of the area’s top teams and added another highlight to an already impressive senior season. Recently committed to Northwood University, Eklund will continue his basketball career at the collegiate level, where he is set to join his brother, Jamison, next season.

Pewamo-Westphalia controlled the tempo throughout the game, using strong defense and balanced scoring to pull away and secure a statement win that solidifies the Pirates as a contender moving forward.

P-W All-Time Scoring Leaders: 2025 Grady Eklund 1,580+ points, 2014 Nick Spitzley 1,572 points (96 games), 1978 Dave Belen 1,443 points (63 games), 2023 Jamison Eklund 1,260 points (86 games), 1992 Tyler Wohlfert 1,089 points (74 games).

P-W Cheer Ranked No. 1 Entering Weekend Invitational

Pewamo-Westphalia Competitive Cheer enters the weekend ranked No. 1 overall in Division 4, according to MichCompCheer rankings. The Pirates currently hold the highest average total score in the division at 727.28 points, separating themselves from the rest of the field as the season progresses.

P-W has been especially dominant in the early portions of competition, averaging the top scores in both Round 1 and Round 2, while continuing to post strong performances in Round 3. The consistent scoring across all three rounds has positioned the Pirates as the team to beat statewide.

The Pirates will look to maintain their top ranking when they compete at the Shepherd High School Invitational on Saturday, January 10, 2025.

Elly Bengel Commits to Lansing Community College

Pewamo-Westphalia girls’ basketball senior guard Elly Bengel has committed to continue her basketball career at Lansing Community College, announcing her decision last week.

Bengel has been a big part of the Pirates’ program throughout her four-year career. Known for her relentless work ethic and all-around play, she has consistently made an impact as both a scorer and facilitator while setting the tone defensively.

She was recognized as a 2025 First Team All-State selection, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the state.