Norwayne sets WCAL boys basketball record with longest regular-season win streak

The Wayne County Athletic League is rich in tradition and history.

Loaded with big names, monster runs, and top-line coaches and schools, it’s never been short of great moments. One only has to look back over the years, dating back to 1922 when schools like Mt. Eaton, Big Prairie, Sterling, Fredericksburg, Chester and Shreve were winning league titles, and to today, where its eight members have all been a part of the league since 1970.

It’s a league where many of its records have withstood the test of time including consecutive wins in league play during the regular season. That distinction was held by Northwestern with a 30-game winning streak starting in 1959 and running through 1961. That record stood until Dec. 19, 2025, when Norwayne defeated the Huskies 63-30 in West Salem to earn consecutive win No. 31, now holding the league’s record for longest regular-season winning streak.

“To hold that record, that’s one of the records that I am most proud of,” Bobcats coach Brian West said. “The league has always been one of those leagues where you can get beat on any given night if you are not ready to play. I feel our kids take pride in playing for Norwayne, and they understand that the Norwayne game is a game that almost all schools circle on their calendar at the beginning of the season.”

Even though Smithville snapped the streak at 32 in January 2026, that did little to take the luster away from this incredible accomplishment. It has been buoyed by resilient, team-oriented and mentally tough young men. Parker Metsker, Tyson Hess, Dylan Smith, Braylon Arnold, Jon Graham and Braden West headlined a list of talented players, with present-day players like Ryder Ingold and Matthew Troup joining Arnold and company.

“We have had kids that refuse to lose and don't make excuses,” West said. “We have had a dedication to the game during the season and offseason that has created a culture that kids want to continue each year. Playing in big games year in and year out is what it is all about, and our kids look forward to each season.”

It’s been that mentality that has been a cornerstone of West-led teams. Always possessing talented student-athletes, a team-first culture, passion for defense, making the right pass and execution have been cultivated. In many instances it's been the difference between winning and losing key league games against some talented squads.

That culture has become the standard for the program, and even this year, when an injury took away Arnold, one knew not to doubt Norwayne. Just as they have throughout the years, the Bobcats were going to be feisty, tough and have a no-quit spirit. Though they saw their winning streak snapped, one knows they will be a tough out as the WCAL teams head down the backstretch of league play.

“I believe the culture set forth by past teams has set the standard for our program,” West said. “The kids know that it doesn't matter who scores or leads us statistically. They also understand that each of them must be ready to go on any given night.”

The next-man-up and team-over-me mentality, dedication to doing things the right way and executing are something West credits to players from the past. It’s one that clearly laid the foundation for the WCAL’s record regular-season winning streak and still anchors a very good Bobcat squad this year.

“I could talk for hours about the players that have impacted our program,” West said. “They left a long-lasting legacy for others to follow.”

Though the record has ended, the continuing impact can still be felt as Norwayne looks to extend the best six-year run in league history. Its perfect 28-0 stretch over two seasons is the best in the league, topping Northwestern’s run of 24-0 (1959-60), and its mark of 40-2 over three seasons is the league’s best.

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