Our boys’ basketball team faced the Hillsdale Colts on Tuesday, March 3rd to determine who would take the court for the semi-finals. Both teams played with great determination, going head-to-head, with both crowds cheering intensely, raising much adrenaline. The game ended with a score of 49-40, sending the Concord jackets to the semi-finals. Jett Smith led the Jackets with 19 persistent points, Connor Stevens added a good 15 with 12 relentless rebounds, and Darrell Dean Jr. contributed 12 excellent points.
Zack Stevens, a freshman on the varsity team, explains that playing on a higher-level team felt good, knowing this experience will make him better and more prepared for the next three years. Stevens explains, “The intensity of the game made me much more excited to be on the court, making me feel more pumped up and focused.” He also acknowledged having his older brother, Connor Stevens, on the team pushes him to be better.
Tyler Rundle shares that the team’s toughest moment this season was realizing they weren’t going to win the conference title; however, he believes it made their run in the state more important. The boys were a perfect example of a team as they communicated with each other very well, all with one goal. Rundle insists that “team chemistry is what makes our defense and offense go well, especially in close games, because we can trust everyone to give their best effort.” He also shares how proud he is of the team’s shift in momentum and how everyone remained positive instead of shutting down when the other team started going on runs and closing leads.
For 36 years, the boys making it to regionals was just a story to share. It was something we students weren’t familiar with; we had only heard of it from the banners that hung in the gym and from the older parents or teachers who still discussed it. Season after season, teams pushed hard with high hopes to make it this far. This year, that buzzer was more than a loud whistle; it was a new chapter of the school’s history. After long years of perseverance and patience, the boys’ basketball team earned the victory with a score of 55-39 against the Petersburg Summerfield.
Jett Smith led the Jackets in this game with a total of 25 points. Darrel Dean Jr. scored 11, and Connor Stevens scored 10 with 14 wonderful rebounds. The game was extremely intense with both teams fighting for every possession. Fans were on their feet all over the gym, shouting and cheering as the intensity of the game kept building. The hard work and the team’s dedication helped them to secure another victory.
Jett Smith, who is a senior on the team, is very glad of their win tonight as he shares that it’ll definitely be something he’ll always remember. He also acknowledges his entire team for their support and effort, which even helps him out on the court. Smith also faced a terrible injury and, unfortunately, had to miss his freshman season, but that injury couldn’t stop him; he has bounced back stronger than ever, leading the team’s way.
Head Coach Gill had the goal of playing some Concord basketball, and before the game, he even asked his boys, “What is Concord basketball to you guys? What is our identity?” The boys told him a defense, so that is what he influenced them to focus on. Gill was extremely proud of their effort and win tonight, but he wasn’t the only one proud. The entire community of Concord was proud to bring back this long-awaited win, and the determination given by the boys is what accomplished that. The celebration of this win will be remembered, and Gill is already prepared for the Quarterfinal at Portage Northern on Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Come show some support for the Yellowjackets hoping for another win!
