The first Vike Night of the year features a double-header between New Berlin West and New Berlin Eisenhower on 1/12. The 3-10 NBW Lady Vikings take on the 8-5 NBE Lions at 6 pm in the Drexel Fieldhouse at New Berlin West High School. The first 100 fans receive a free “Beat Ike” t-shirt. Following this game, the 5-6 NBW boys aim to upset a good 7-4 NBE team. After the boys’ game, fans can stay in their seats for a free Myles Mangerin Band concert. NBW Students get into the games for free if they are wearing blue and gold attire. Tickets for the girls’ game and boys’ game can be purchased online at GoFan or in person.
Over the past 20 years, NBW and NBE have faced off 91 times with 47 games for the girls and 44 for the boys. Each season features two Friday double-headers, each of which is known as “Ike Week”. “Everyone knows when it’s Ike week. The atmosphere at school and in the gym is not like any other game,” said Girls Basketball Alum, Grace Timmers. The attendance and energy for these games are unlike any game in the rest of the season. NBW girls basketball record holder for points and rebounds, Girls Basketball Alum, Meghan Schultz, said “They were always the most exciting games of the year and always the most packed.” People of all ages fill the field house to create the best environment for a rivalry game. Youth night also coincides with this double-header as the youth basketball programs for NBW and NBE are invited and recognized during the games. Timmers remembers “Being ten years old going to the games made me even more excited for the time to come where I’d take that court as well.” Youth players look up to the varsity basketball players with hopes of being on the court when they get to high school.
As NBW and NBE collide, the intensity and competitiveness escalate amongst players who grew up alongside one another, seeking more than just bragging rights. Boys Basketball Alum Wyatt Buelow highlights the unifying nature of the rivalry, stating, “It brings people together and leads to a very competitive game between the two schools as players and fans participate in the rivalry.” Boys Basketball Alum, Tyler Hewitt, brother to star freshman Zach Hewitt, adds, “Everyone knows everyone on both sides, making the games mean more than just a win or a loss.” Childhood friends turn into the opposition for two games per season which generates great basketball games.
Over the past 20 years, the Vikings have struggled to secure Victories over the Lions. In 47 girls’ games, the Lady Vikings won only 9. On the boys’ side, the NBW boys mirrored the feat in 44 games, claiming an equal 9 victories, adding up to an NBW vs. NBE record of 18-73.
Despite the historical struggle against NBE, recent trends suggest a positive shift for the NBW boys under head coach Scott Cook, who secured three victories over NBE from 2020-2023. The same can not be said for the girls’ team as they are 2-14 against NBE since 2016 under head coach Collin Thompson. But don’t judge a book by its cover because Thompson has coached the team to an impressive 107-62 record since 2016.
Schultz cherishes the memory of beating NBE last season.“One of my favorite memories from playing was beating Eisenhower for the first time in a while. On the girls’ side, they had a really good team and so we went years without beating them and we finally did when I became an upperclassman.” Similarly, Timmers said “My senior year we beat Eisenhower at home and that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I’ll forever love and remember the blue and gold.” Schultz is now playing D1 Basketball at the Universary of Green Bay and says the crowds at her college basketball games are similar to the crowds at the NBW vs. NBE basketball games.
Beyond the wins and losses, the cross-town rivalry remains a cherished chapter in the hearts of those who’ve been part of it, a testament to the community that rallies together, creating memories that withstand the test of time.
