Boys’ basketball honors seniors with last home game win

The boys’ basketball varsity team played its last home game of the regular season against Glenbard North on Friday night. With it being the last home game, the team honored its four seniors along with the seniors from the cheer and dance teams as Metea’s community filled the bleachers in the Main Gym.  

The night kicked off with the seniors from all three of the teams being recognized. As the team was filled with excitement for the big game, the amount of support showed through the entirety of the gym as each senior was called before the 7:30 pm tip-off. “I mean being with all the players and all the guys is a lot of fun, and even the coaches are really fun. We’re really close with our coaches too, so I’m going to miss just being around everybody and being able to play basketball because I’ve been playing since I was a little kid,” senior Nick Herrmann said.

The energy throughout the gym continued to strive as each quarter passed. With a full student section, the boys powered through each quarter with a strong lead against the Glenbard North Panthers. With an outstanding performance on the court and it being senior night for the team, the boys were able to beat the Panthers, winning 83-41.

While the last home game of the season came to a close, the Metea community that filled the bleachers celebrated the thrilling win with the Metea fight song. “My favorite part of the program is that it’s not all about basketball with these guys. It’s more than that, it’s on the court and off the court,” senior Cory Adams said.

As the four seniors played their last high school home game, each recalled the love that they shared for the team and program overall. “[I love] the unity and camaraderie. Everyone’s tight and connected with each other and it’s a great locker room that we have,” senior Brad Hartje said.

Nevertheless, the unity that each player shows with one another on the team paid off this year with the amount of hard work that went into each practice and game. “This year, by far, has been my favorite year because I’ve always been close with and I’ve known the grade below mine and my grade, so it’s fun to be with them,” senior Holden Rank said.

Although the regular season ends on Friday with its game against South Elgin, the boys have shown amazing team chemistry on and off the court throughout the season that shouldn’t go unnoticed.“These four individuals kind of set the bar for our program in the way that they handle themselves and in the way that they represent, not only themselves but our program and our school. So I think they should be recognized, especially with the character of these four young men,” varsity coach Matt Walpole said.