Westrich, Schnell Lead Bonduel to 54-45 Win Over Menominee Nation

Bonduel held off a late challenge from Menominee Nation to post a 54-45 victory in a CWC-East matchup in Shawano, improving the Bears to 16-2 and leaving the Eagles at 12-6. Peyton Westrich and Cierra Schnell paced Bonduel with 15 and 12 points respectively, while Natalie Peters led Menominee Nation with 12 points.

Defense dominated the opening minutes, with neither team scoring in the first three minutes. Menominee Nation answered with a 9-2 run sparked by Natalie Peters, giving the Eagles early momentum. Bonduel countered late in the first half, closing on a 16-8 run led by Peyton Westrich and Juliana Jacobs to carry a 31-28 lead into halftime.

The second half underscored Bonduel’s depth; five different Bears scored as Bonduel stretched its advantage. Menominee Nation fought to stay within striking distance, with Urijah Reevis and Dacey Webster adding 11 points each, but timely turnovers and a string of key Bonduel baskets down the stretch kept the Eagles from mounting a comeback. The final margin was 54-45.

Beyond the box score, the game matters for Menominee County communities that rally around high school athletics. For Bonduel, the win reinforces a strong conference position and supplies momentum heading into a home matchup with Manawa on January 30. For Menominee Nation, the loss is a test of depth and resilience as the Eagles prepare to play at Oconto on February 3. Individual stat lines and close conference play feed into postseason seeding, playing time for underclassmen, and the morale of players and families who travel for support.

High school basketball in Menominee County also serves broader public health and social functions. Games provide structured physical activity for student-athletes and create social cohesion for towns where school events are central meeting points. Maintaining robust programs for both Bonduel and Menominee Nation supports youth mental health, school engagement, and community pride. Continued community attendance and investment in gym programs, coaching, and transportation will shape future competitiveness and opportunities for student-athletes across the county.

Fans who follow CWC-East play will see the stakes sharpen as the season continues. Bonduel’s 16-2 record keeps the Bears in position to contend for conference honors, while Menominee Nation has time to regroup and fine-tune execution before its trip to Oconto. The coming weeks will show how both programs translate late-season lessons into postseason readiness.