Pirate Boys Head Back to the State Finals

Photo: Jim Pivarnik

With a thrilling victory over Flint New Standard Academy on Thursday, Pewamo-Westphalia boys basketball has punched its ticket back to the MHSAA State Finals. The Pirates now sit at 26–2 on the season and will look to add another championship to the program’s proud history.

Pewamo-Westphalia’s only two losses this year came against larger-school competition, falling narrowly to Grandville (45–47) and Grand Rapids Catholic Central (50–54). Those close contests against Division 1 and Division 2 opponents have helped prepare the Pirates for another deep postseason run.

Leading the charge for P-W is senior guard Grady Eklund, who is putting together a standout season. Eklund averages 20.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, serving as the offensive engine for the Pirates. Inside, senior center Trent Piggott adds 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, providing a strong presence in the paint. Sophomore guard Logan Farmer rounds out the trio with 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, giving P-W another scoring option and steady play in the backcourt.

This marks the fourth state finals appearance in program history for Pewamo-Westphalia. The Pirates previously finished as state runner-up in 1993, falling to Southgate Aquinas at the The Palace of Auburn Hills, and again in 2014, when they fell to Detroit Consortium. P-W captured its first state championship in 2019, defeating Iron Mountain in a thrilling 53–52 victory.

Now, the Pirates have another opportunity to make history. Pewamo-Westphalia will face Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac Lions in the Division 3 state championship game Saturday at 4:30 PM at the Breslin Center.