The boy's basketball season concluded last Monday as the Hornets lost a game against Chicago Hope Academy. It was a great season with an exciting end but ultimately good things must always come to an end. They lost 69-54 at CEFCU Arena (or what should still be Redbird Arena) in a game that was lost on turnovers. The Hornets committed 22 turnovers to Chicago Hope’s 2, and it’s extremely hard to win games like that. Heyworth was down by 3 with under 3 minutes to go and then the wheels seemed to fall off in the end and Hope’s all-stater sophomore Tyjuan Hunter proved exactly why he was an all-stater, scoring 32 points and coming up with several clutch steals down the stretch. A bright spot for Heyworth was Nick Feather, who scored 20 with 18 rebounds. But the brightest spot in Heyworth was the crowd. It was essentially a home game for the Hornets with a 20-minute drive, but the community once again united in Heyworth to watch the super-sectional game. Although it resulted in a loss this season and especially in the postseason was one to remember.
Next year will be a different look for the Hornets as they lose almost all of their experience. 6 seniors is a lot to replace, especially with the size these seniors bring. Maddox Klawitter and Chase Ruppert, two guards who got a lot of playing time this year, will be back, and junior Nick Rapson, who was a spark for the Hornets as he scored 12 points off the bench in the super-sectional game. We interviewed him about the end of the season and what sparked the change from the regular season to the postseason. He said the team's chemistry and attitude are what propelled them to go on this run. “We were very determined and we got to work every day”. He also said that this year’s loss will fuel the team for next year. “We are going to take that loss and we are going to play with a chip on our shoulder”.
Finally, I would like to do a bit of a final paragraph to summarize the accomplishments and the moments of the season. With the 3rd toughest schedule in 1A, including the Tournament of Champions in Washington, the Hornets ended up finishing 23-12, which is very impressive seeing their schedule. They played in many great regular-season games including playing in a tough unique environment in Seneca, winning the Christmas tournament vs St. Thomas More, playing in front of a packed Hornet gym vs Clinton, the 9-game winning streak after the Fieldcrest loss, and then senior night where Heyworth ended up beating Ridgeview 74-36. Then in the postseason, they put up nearly 100 in a blowout win vs Kankakee Grace Christian Academy. Then they had to make two 1 hour and 45-minute trips to St. Anne. The first one resulted in a win over Milford and the second was a very fun trip as the Hornets won 80-69 over St. Anne in St. Anne. The environment was hostile but the Hornets accomplished a regional championship. Next up were the sectional games at Danville Area Community College. They played Decatur St. Teresa in the first game and it was a struggle but the Hornets were able to squeak out a 49-43 win, getting revenge and getting the program's first win over St. Teresa in the last 7 matchups. Then was the sectional championship, the most intense game all year against conference rival Lexington. It started questionable as Lexington took an early 10-point lead but the Hornets quickly came back and tied it up at halftime. Even though Lexington brought a crowd, the Hornets students and fans showed out too, and with the excitement they brought, the players played off of the crowd energy. As the clock hit zero Heyworth had won their second ever sectional championship and for it to be against your rivals is an even better feeling.
Though we know what happens in super sectionals, this was an unforgettable season. Thank you to the seniors Alex Maas, Nick Feather, Tyler Bartels, Tyler Wills, Lucas Garber, and Brady Wicklander for what they have done for the program. All of them contributed at some point during the season and they have set an example for how far Heyworth can go. Thank you to the assistant coaches, Coach Taylor, Coach Slayback, and Coach Hooker for the efforts you have put in for your players. Your contributions are not forgotten. Thank you to Coach Mosley for helping change the program. In his first year, he was able to do things that few Heyworth teams have ever done. The team felt like a family due to everything he did off the court and the team bondings are something the players will never forget. All good things must come to an end, but this season will not be forgotten.
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