This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

March 14, 2019MARYVILLE, Mo.

Northwest poised for tournament run with Witthus at the helm

(Photo courtesy Northwest Athletics)

Download .mp3

The beginning of March is the sign for most teams to lock in a postseason mindset.

At Northwest, the Bearcats have been in a tournament state of mind since November.

"We obviously know that it's win or go home now," senior Joey Witthus said prior to practice Tuesday afternoon in Bearcat Arena. "But this whole season we've tried to treat every game like that to prepare us for this moment."

The approach has paid off.

The Bearcats are 32-0, MIAA champs, and the number one team in the NCAA Central Region. For the third season in a row, and third time in program history, the road to the Elite Eight goes through Maryville.

Witthus is a big reason why Northwest is in position to play tournament games inside Bearcat Arena – a building where they've won 87 times in their last 92 tries.

The senior from Chanhassen, MN is tops in the MIAA in three-point shooting (45.5-percent), and is the leading scorer (20.9 points per game) on one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.

"Sometimes it may seem like there is a lot of iso, but it's definitely being able to give up a good shot for a great shot," Witthus said. "That starts with the type of guys we have on this team, the unselfishness, and the willing and wanting to see the next person succeed."

His scoring attracts the attention, but his impact reaches all corners of the floor.

"I'd say there are definitely some moments where, being a senior, I have to do a little bit more, but that doesn't necessarily mean scoring. That could just mean making the right read or getting a stop on defense or whatever that is."

And Witthus is ready to do whatever it takes to earn three more games in Bearcat Arena, and play for a community that's become like a second home.

"This town and community and school have meant everything to me," Witthus said. "It's definitely been an inspiration in my life, the people that are around here. It's a truly special place. We're looking forward to keeping this run going."