Point after point and a close finish. The Boys Varsity Basketball game against Mountain View on Valentine’s Day night was full of surprises. From believing the win for the Grizzlies was locked in the beginning to the Mavs making an exhilarating comeback, this game had the crowd on edge. The fight for the chance to play in the SIC District Tournament to play at state was on the line and Rocky was determined. The boys started strong in the first two quarters, leading the score 17-8 at the end of the first quarter, and 31-19 at the end of the second.
Things were looking smooth for the Grizzlies. However, the Mavs decided to take charge and change the score.
By the end of the third quarter, the score was 31-39 with the Mavs in the lead. Even though the pressure was building, Rocky didn’t give up. After a Mountain View foul, Rocky made a free throw to bring the score to 34-39.
The fourth quarter really had everyone on their feet with back-and-forth scoring. With six minutes left, the score was tied 39-39. The Mavs put another five points on the leaderboard. Rocky answered back, working to close the gap at 41-44 with 4 minutes and 50 seconds left. Unfortunately, the Mavs score continued to climb. 46 then 48 points with 2 minutes and 30 seconds remaining. Rocky Senior Tanner Sweany had a big three point shot to bring Rocky within one point. The score was now 48-49 with one minute left. The tensions were high and the audience roared. Sweany said, “When we made that clutch stop in the fourth quarter, the energy shifted. You could feel it. The crowd was alive, our sideline was buzzing, and that’s when we knew we were still in it.”
Score after score, it was unpredictable which high school would win. After another Mountain View free throw, the score was 49-51. Rocky made another point, 51-51. Unfortunately, the Mavs scored another two points with just 13 seconds remaining. There was a devastating foul and with 10 seconds left, the team was down by 3. In the end, the Grizzlies faced a crushing loss with the final score 51-54.
Despite the defeat, the team found pride in their fight. Sweany stated, “One thing that really stood out to me was how the team came together when things got tough. Whether it was a losing streak or when we were down in a game, we never gave up. We always had each other’s backs, and that’s what I’ll remember most from this season. It’s all about that brotherhood pushing through the grind together.”
He highlights the team’s identity-brotherhood, resilience, and refusing to quit even when things got hard. He believes that the basketball team will work harder next year. Finally, Sweany said, “We’re going to hit the gym harder, work on our mental game, and fine tune those little things that turn a good team into a great one. Next season, we’re aiming higher, no doubt.”
