Michael “Sly” Sylvester was a highly respected and admired student athlete, not only by his teammates and fellow classmates, but also by students of rival schools, so much so that at one away game against Waukesha South, the student section brought a life-sized Sylvester the Cat stuffed animal to the gymnasium to take turns punching while the game was played. Sylvester was a three-year starter, and he averaged an impressive 14 points and eight rebounds per game his junior year and 18 points and 10 rebounds per game his senior year. Over the course of his high school career, Sylvester helped lead his team to two conference championships. He also made 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Area, and he received an All-State honorable mention. Sylvester was also recognized as an Easter Seal All-Star his senior year. Scoring 40 points in one game, Sylvester set the Tosa East record for most points scored in a single game, until Devin Harris broke it in 2001. Sylvester always felt privileged to wear a Tosa East jersey, and he epitomized the integrity and sportsmanship his jersey stood for.
