On Friday, February 7th the LHS Boys Basketball recognized their Seniors before playing against Pomona high school. The final score was Pomona with 81 points and LHS with 65.
Each senior athlete, as well as the team’s main manager Megan Nguyen, walked down the floor of the North Gym to accept bouquets and hugs from their proud coaches. Accompanied by friends and family, the athletes were able to offer a final piece of advice to close their high school basketball career. Many of them had spent the past four years running and training on that very same gym floor. Years of practice, challenges and team memories have been built up, so naturally the ceremony was a heart-warming moment.
When asked about his favorite moment from the night, team captain Sam Lasswell said, “Probably walking out beforehand with my parents. It just felt really sentimental.”
“I’m proud of these seniors for how committed they’ve been. Most of them have been here the whole four years. They show up every day and get to work,” said head coach Ryan Fletcher.
Before the ceremony, fans had streamed in and crowded the stands. Several supporters even held up signs with the Varsity players’ faces on them. The student and parent sections both were full of passionate onlookers.
It was clear from the start of the game that Pomona was harsh competition, but LHS held an intense ferocity that matched theirs.
In the first quarter, Lasswell’s name was said over and over again by the announcer for play after play. Pierce Battles followed his bucket by getting free throws, and the crowd went wild.
Although Pomona tried to steam on ahead, the LHS defense led by team captain Max Fendrich trapped them and kept consistent pressure the whole game.
Sophomore Tyler Griffin was blazing with free throws after free throws, and was a key player in the game.
Lasswell said that he was proud of “the way we’ve grown as a team. It’s been fun playing with these guys.”
“We really were hoping to get that one. We are frustrated at the moment, but the boys played hard,” said Fletcher. “I love watching these guys grow, especially on senior night. Thinking back to when they were freshmen, and seeing how much more mature they’ve gotten, how they become better humans, better players. That’s my favorite part of coaching.”
Although LHS lost, there was a lot more to take home from Senior Night besides a win. There is so much excitement to see what these Seniors will do on the court, in college, and beyond.
