REEDSVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – A championship legacy that began nearly 80 years ago is being relived and extended by a new generation of the same family.
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In 1946, the Reedsville boys’ basketball team made history with a state title run. Now, decades later, that story has come full circle as a senior guard Ben Prochnow, who led his team back to the WIAA boys basketball championships.
For Ben, basketball has become more than just a sport.
“Our motto has always been to play hard, have fun, and just giving 100% in everything,” Prochnow said.
The senior guard is currently the program’s all-time leading scorer, but he credits the foundation laid long before him—his great-grandfather, who died six months ago. Ben said he remained a constant presence throughout his career.
“To be able to do it in honor of him, it’s amazing,” Prochnow said.
Family members say his great-grandfather followed every game he could, whether it was in person or online.
That connection helped fuel a season that ended with Reidsville capturing its first state title since 1946, bringing the program full circle. But for the family, this journey has always been about more than basketball.
Ben’s father serves as his head coach, a dynamic that has brought both challenges and meaningful moments over the years.
“He’s coached me since third grade,” Ben said. “Obviously, it has ups and downs when you’re disagreeing on things, but it’s so special. I don’t take it for granted.”
The family’s bond extends to the court as well. Ben’s younger brother, Zach, is also on the team, looking up to his older sibling as both a player and a leader.
“He always motivates the whole team and me,” Zach Prochnow said.
Growing up, the brothers attended the state tournament together every year, imagining what it would be like to play on that stage themselves. Now, that dream has become reality and more.
“We kept going to the state tournament every year as a family, like, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to play here?’” Ben said. “And now we finally get the chance.”
The moment became unforgettable when Ben and his teammates not only took the court but finished the job, winning a state championship together.
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“It’s a dream come true,” Zach said. “We’ve been watching state basketball for many years, so actually being able to play there is truly incredible.”
From a great-grandfather who helped start the legacy, to father and sons sharing the court, the story reflects three generations connected by one program—and one goal now realized.
