Senior night can be filled with bittersweet emotions from parents and players, as this game symbolizes the senior’s high school basketball career coming to an end.

Prior to the game, there was a senior recognition with parents and players walking on the court while the fans showed praise for the seniors. The environment at the Sequoit basketball games is normally pretty loud but it was especially loud, to celebrate the seniors. Senior Ryan Emering felt the endearment from the crowd all night.

“The crowd was really active in the first quarter and very receptive at the end of the game [following] the win,” Emering said.

This class of seniors has been playing together ever since elementary school and have had success on every level; The boys have created lifelong friendships and bonds; and with the season coming to a close it shows that it is more than just basketball for these players. The relationships with the seniors extend off the court to spending time with each other and vacations in the offseason. Senior Jake Mallek was soaking in the moment and reflecting on the times with this team.

“It felt like a celebration of close to ten years of playing with friends coming to an end,” Mallek said.

The Sequoits were able to capture a win against Grant Community High School 42-40, which not only was a special win because of the night, but a conference win that is important for postseason placement. This year’s senior class has played through great wins and tough losses together. They all had moments of challenge throughout their careers, and they fought through them as a team. Head coach Sean Connor had high acclaim for the boys not only on their play but personal character.

“The senior players are the epitome of selflessness,” Connor said. “They’ve bought in, grown as leaders, and given everything they can to build back the boys basketball program.”

As their senior season comes to an end the players can all be proud of their careers and accomplishments together, as well as friendships and legacies.