Between the warmth of Florida and the chilly winds of New York City, the boys and girls basketball teams relished their time away on two wonderful trips that served as both an end of the year vacation and a beginning of the season competition.
On Dec. 18, 2024, the boys basketball team flew out of Knoxville to Orlando, Florida. They spent their time in the sunshine state competing with teams from all over the country, exploring Orlando’s Universal Studios, and bonding in the hotel pool. Winning two of the three games they played, they had a very successful trip.
Shortly after the boys returned home, the girls’ team departed early on Dec. 26, 2024 for the Big Apple, New York City. Their next three days were filled with fun experiences, many long games, and exploring the city. The girls played two hard fought games and gained a great learning experience.
Both teams experienced a range of tough competition from big cities.
The boys team found themselves pitted against teams from Missouri and Utah. Senior Jackson Davidson fondly recalls Colby Lamb “getting dunked on” during one of these games.
Senior, Colin Brown said, “It was very fun and interesting playing teams that you have never seen or have no idea how they play, so just having to adjust to that was really good for us.”
Additionally, they “experienc[ed] an NBA game together,” said coach, Michael McMeans.
“It was just crazy to think that Colin would be playing there one day,” said senior Landon Graham, dreaming of a future where Brown might play in the NBA. “It was a great way for our team to bond over something we all love and to go watch guys that we grew up idolizing made the moment even more special.”
In addition to basketball, the boys got to enjoy the warmth and rides of Universal Studios.
Senior Micah Norton said, “While riding my favorite ride, the Hulk, it was raining so hard I thought it would leave marks…it was so fun.”
In the frigid northeast, the girls played a broad range of teams that challenged their skills and pushed them to play their best. This increased competition was by design.
“[The] teams were bigger and more athletic than anytime we would see in a normal season,” said the girls coach, Charlie Tiller, who values the exposure these kinds of experiences give his team.
Sophomore, Addi Moore said, “It was challenging playing against teams we had never faced before, especially teams with that much talent and a very different style of play. But overall it was a great experience and we grew from it.”
In addition to the intensity on the court, the basketball players experienced memorable moments off the court.
The girls attended the Broadway musical of Wicked. Junior, Katy Granger said, “It was pretty magical and I think all of us were in awe…hearing how well they could sing was intriguing.I had high expectations for it and it cleared all of them.”
Senior Jasiah Duff appreciated the opportunity to strengthen her bonds with her teammates. “Even on the long subway rides, we were all just talking and getting to know each other more,” she said.
Senior Chase Wolfenbarger even remembers more personal moments that brought the team together, such as supporting sophomore Delaney Linkous, who was “battling out a sickness.”
These trips led both teams to feel more confident as they continue in conference play and are on track to very successful seasons.
“Where we’re at right now, we’re hoping to make it to the state tournament,” said McMeans.
Now heading into the postseason, the impact of these trips has resulted in both teams finishing as the district runner-ups, falling to Davy Crockett.
The girls team lost 53-60, and will play Volunteer for the first round of regionals on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:00 in Viking Hall.
The boys team lost 67-70, and will play Volunteer for the first round of regionals on Saturday, Mar. 1st at 7:30 in Viking Hall.
“I can’t believe the season is almost over; these guys are like my brothers,” said Jackson Davidson.