November 2018

You only get one shot at a first impression.

Middleton’s boys’ basketball team made the most of their chance last Wednesday.

The Cardinals dominated from start to finish and toppled visiting Waterford, 61-45, in the season opener for both teams.

Middleton senior guard Sam Close led all scorers with 17 points, while senior guard Jack Boyle added 14 points and three assists.

"It was clear early on that we were the better team due to our roster of juniors and seniors and our overall size compared to Waterford,” Middleton coach Kevin Bavery said. “They were much younger and although inexperienced, we did have that advantage.”

The Cardinals got solid performances from up and down the lineup.

Senior guard Chandon Thomas came off the bench, scored nine points and disrupted much of what Waterford tried to do offensively.

MIDDLETON–Former town of Middleton Administrator David Shaw last month resigned and released the town from all claims stemming from his employment as town treasurer in agreements that provided him with six months’ severance pay.

Former town Deputy Treasurer Patricia Keichinger entered into similar agreements with the town which offered her three months’ severance pay.

Shaw and Keichinger each signed a resignation agreement and a separation agreement on Oct. 23. The former employees acknowledged that the releases they offered, and the consideration provided were not given in connection with “an exit incentive or other employment termination program.”

However, the severance payments provided for in the separation agreements were contingent on each of the former employees signing their resignation agreement.

The town board has declined to discuss the reasons for their simultaneous departures.

The way many viewed it, things were over before they even began.

On Oct. 5 — roughly one month before the start of basketball season — Middleton’s Max Schlicht collapsed on the football field. The 6-foot-7 Schlicht — arguably the Cardinals’ best basketball player — suffered a torn ACL for the second straight year.

Middleton, considered a contender for the Big Eight Conference title, was written off by many.

The Cardinals themselves had just three words for the doubters.

Not. So. Fast.

“I’m really optimistic,” said Cardinals senior forward Jake Klubertanz, whose team opens their year Wednesday against Waterford. “Obviously, when Max went out, everyone had their head down. He’s irreplaceable.