 |
| The colors are retired after a long season. (Photo courtesy of Richard Lee) |
It’s certainly been an eventful season for Mission basketball, but it ends here as the Bears play their final game of the season with a hard-fought loss against El Cerrito in a 74-62 loss in the first round of the CIF state tournament.
Despite their defeat in the CIF and in their section finals, Mission was able to play at an extremely proficient level of basketball and earn significant respect from schools around the Bay Area.
This year was highlighted with Mission each and every game putting on a display of frantic defense and moving at a fast-tempo pace. That combined with the distinct personalities and playing styles of all 13 team members really shaped out this year’s squad.
Mission closes out their season with an impressive 23-11 record and all the signs point to even bigger improvements next season.
What made this year truly exceptional was just how young this team was. There were just four seniors on the team this year and only three with actual varsity minutes from the past under their belt. However, the lack of experience did not call for a lack of leadership. There was never a true star as the basketball season progressed this year. In fact, the leading scorer of this team only averaged 12 PPG.
It was all shared glory for the Bears, every time somebody watches a contest with Mission playing, they didn’t know what to expect. One person can score 30 in a game and two days later, another player goes for a triple-double. It was the unselfishness to distribute the spotlight evenly among themselves so that the ultimate goal of a “W” is reached. The moment when one knows when to step up and take charge, and the time to step back and allow others to star is what really established a sense of equality and leadership among these men.
“Man, it(the entire season) had fun, teamwork, love, and care. We all love each other, we’re all like brothers. This was a good season I’m happy at how things ended.” said senior captain Jaleel Stancil with a smile on his face as he boards the team bus to go back to San Francisco. Stancil has finished playing his fourth and last year with Mission basketball and he will be leaving knowing that he, along with the other three seniors on the team, have paved a way for substantial degrees of success to come during the following years.
Professional handshakes were being made, jokes were being exchanged, singing and dancing was present, and a good vibe was felt all around the Mission Bears as they exited the El Cerrito gates.
So as everybody punches out of basketball, reports out of duty, and leave the office. They each walk towards their own direction. Some are moving along to bigger and better things while others know that they will see each other once again trapping defenders in the hardwood wearing brown and yellow.
No comments:
Post a Comment