I’m writing this with raw emotion. Today (Wed., March 14), I watched my son play his very last high school basketball game against Chapmanville at the WVSSAC Class AA quarterfinals. I tried to prepare myself, but I don’t think that is possible.

 

Though some media outlets conveyed that we had little to no chance of beating the powerhouse team, we hoped our boys hadn’t bought into that and would go into the contest confident and ready for the challenge.

 

They did.

 

These 11 boys came out onto the Charleston Civic Center floor to the sound of enthusiastic fans, including a large, supportive student section. While warming up, they were hitting their shots and there was a pretty good vibe which was fueled at various points in the first half. Ultimately, it didn’t go our way.

 

Many of you have experienced this; your senior coming off the floor or the field for the very last time. It’s pretty heart wrenching. You’ve watched him or her play since they were very little. It’s just something you do - a big part of your life – and it’s sad when it comes to an end.

 

Jacob was coached by his dad and older brother in various recreational and travel leagues through the years. Each of those leagues – even the colors of the uniforms - are going through my mind; the winning and the losing, the pure elatement and the heartache, the hugging and celebration; the hugging and consoling.

 

I’m sure proud of my boy and his teammates, including his fellow seniors Jack Mitchell, Adam Bentz and Brayden Lesher. A bond has been formed that will never sever. That is  evident by the post-season shooting shirts they designed themselves. The back simply says, "Family."

 

And those friendships have extended to the parents; a group of individuals who do seem more like family.

 

It’s been a challenging year; a roller coaster of a season with plenty of ups and downs. At one point, we didn’t know – because of the statewide public school walkout – whether post-season would take place as a ban had been placed on Harrison County extracurricular activities. Ultimately, the games were a go, but without coaches and they would be played out-of-county. The boys were a little unsettled; knowing they wouldn’t have Coach Mike Robey and Coach Zak Bart with them, but once the first sectional game got under way at Davis & Elkins College, it was evident that they had full confidence in acting coaches, Principal Mark DeFazio and volunteer coach Paul Smith. The seniors really stepped up, showing leadership that I’ve heard about from both Mr. DeFazio and the BHS basketball coaching staff.

 

Besides athleticism, leadership, patience and perseverance will follow these boys throughout their lives.

 

The Indians had two very exciting championships on the sectional and regional level. The team clicked. Everyone did their job. Those smiles and hugs are forever etched into my mind and I thank Joey Signorelli of Ben Queen Photography for capturing those moments for us.

 

It's been fun – no, it’s been a blessing and a privilege – to watch Jacob develop skills and the determination and drive he has displayed through the years, scoring points, but so much more.

 

We’ve watched him go from a timid eight-year-old boy to a confident young man, who will "defend till the end," has a passion for the game, a passion for winning and a knack for getting the ball into the hands of whatever teammate has the best look at the basket. He can’t literally jump out of the gym, but we’ve enjoyed saying that. For an under six-footer, he can get up there for the rebounds. He’s quick. He’s game smart. And he’s unselfish. I remember saying before a rec game years ago: “Score lots of points, Jake.” His reply was: “I don't have to score all the points. I’m a playmaker.”

 

He’s a playmaker that makes my heart proud. As they say, don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened. And I can think of thousands of reasons for those smiles.

 

If you have a senior – or have had a senior – I know you can relate. We can do this.

 

ROLL TRIBE. 

 

Editor’s Note: Since writing this blog, Chapmanville went on to claim the Class AA championship. They are a very good team and our BHS boys said they are nice kids, too. They even met up with some of them at the Charleston Town Center mall later in the week and got to chat a little. That makes my heart smile. And you know what else? Ending the season on the Charleston Civic Center floor, playing the team that goes on to claim the championship is a pretty awesome way to end the season. Pictured below: Front (left to right)  Seniors Jacob Perine, Adam Bentz, Brayden Lesher and Jack Mitchell; Back (left to right) Volunteer Coach Paul Smith, Assitant Coach Zak Bart, Blake Bowers, John Ross Mazza, Aaron Randolph, Tanner Bifano, Jake Bowen, Nick Stalnaker, Tyler Hardesty, BHS Principal Mark DeFazio, Coach Mike Robey and Assistant Principal Renee Matthews.