The final buzzer didn’t just signal the end of a season—it marked the end of a season defined by resilience, growth, and lessons learned for Pius XI Catholic High School.

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Finishing the year with a 10–15 overall record and 6–8 in conference play, Pius XI may not have had the season it envisioned back in November. But inside the locker room, the story had a more positive tone.

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“I really enjoyed this team. Our guys got better as the season went on. They developed into a tough, gritty, defensive-minded team” – Head Coach Dan Carey

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The season was filled with ups and downs. Despite the challenges of having a very competitive conference, Pius XI remained competitive, with several games coming down to just a few possessions—moments that, over time, defined their season.

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As the season progressed, the team began to find its identity. Younger players stepped into bigger roles, and the chemistry on the court continued to improve. Their 6–8 conference record reflected growth, proving they could hold their own against familiar opponents. Still, consistency remained a challenge, something that ultimately impacted their postseason positioning.

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That set up a first-round playoff matchup with Waukesha South that would bring their season to a close. Pius XI battled until the final moments, but came up short, ending their run earlier than they had hoped.

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For the seniors, the loss was especially emotional. Their final game marked the end of their high school careers—years filled with practices, bus rides, and countless hours in the gym.

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“The leadership was strong as well, from our seven seniors and our leadership council. They brought a high level of intensity and competitive spirit to every practice. This group made our program proud, embracing the title of TEAM 85 (the 85th team in the history of our Boys Basketball program)”- Head Coach Dan Carey.

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With a strong foundation built throughout the year, valuable experience built a stronger sense of identity for the Popes as they go into next season. In the end, the record tells one story. But for those inside the program, this season was about much more than wins and losses. The future remains promising for Pius XI.

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“We look forward to continued growth from our players. We know our guys will be in the gym and weight room and can't wait to see our group come together”- Head Coach Dan Carey.

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The Pius XI boys basketball team just completed its 2025-2026 season under Head Coach Dan Carey. They compete in the Woodland - West Conference. ​Did you want to be a Pope? Go to the Athlete Registration on theis page.​​