By Kazi Nassif

The varsity boys basketball season came to an end last Friday as the Eagles fell to Lakeview Centennial HS 72-65 in a hard-fought playoff matchup. The team finished with a 27-7(12-2) record while being ranked 14th in the state by MaxPreps.

The team won District 6A and earned the consolation prize in the gold tier of the McDonald’s Invitational. The Eagles also swept rivals JJ Pearce HS, winning the two games 76-60 and 62-60.

Head Coach Justin Reese thought that the loss to Lakeview Centennial was especially disappointing because citing the lucky bounces that went their opponents’ way.

“Basketball is a funny game sometimes,” Reese said. “They hit some crazy shots, like the dagger when the ball hit the top of the backboard and rolled in. I felt like we were both really good teams on Friday, but the breaks went their way. To go deep in the playoffs you need to be really good, and you need to a be a little lucky.”

Although he was disappointed by the early playoff exit, Reese said he was happy with the team’s new, stronger identity.

“The seniors showed our younger guys how to work and be good teammates,” Reese said. “Our guys that are coming back are going to have to work really hard to keep our tradition going. I was proud of how our guys battled all season, and one loss doesn’t define the season.”

Senior Brandon Averette thought that the loss was tough to take, especially considering this was the last time he played with his fellow seniors.

“It was a tough feeling – it hurt,” he said. “It hurt way worse than I ever thought it would. After the game, that’s when it really just hit me that it was all over.”

Averette said that as the season wore on, the team became more comfortable being together, on and off the court.

“We actually became a true family during the season,” Averette said. “ Once we started hanging out off the court, that’s when we really got closer.”

Sophomore Xavier Elam, one of the youngest members on varsity, understands that as his tenure on the team goes on, his role will change.

“I have to work on my leadership and defense,” Elam said. “ Next year I think my role will be much different than this year, and I’m ready for it.”