Lake Mills faced little challenge throughout the season, steamrolling their way to an undefeated regular season, though, the postseason has been a different story. They trailed Bishop Garrigan – the 2020 Class 1A runners-up – heading to the fourth quarter in the district final but won by outscoring the Golden Bears 17-10 in the final frame. The substate final against West Fork – who finished fourth at state last year – was also a challenge through the first eight minutes and again in the second half, but the Bulldogs pulled away for the 54-40 victory.
Lake Mills has three seniors in the starting lineup, two of which – Linnen and Caleb Bacon – were key components to their success last year. The other, Ryan Huston, has stepped up in a big way. The senior played in only 17 of Lake Mills’ 26 games a year ago. This season, Huston has played in all 25 and started 24 of them. Huston is careful with the basketball, with only 18 turnovers all season and a key to the Lake Mills defense, which allows opponents to score only 40 points per game.