Closing with Class

Tonight's 1A regional opener between the Central City Wildcats and the Springville Orioles probably wasn't even a blip on anyone's radar outside those two districts, but it was exactly what a great basketball game should be.

Two long time rival teams stepped out onto the floor for the chance to play another day. It didn't matter that neither team was at the top of the Tri Rivers Conference.  It didn't even matter that neither team has a winning regular season.  All that mattered was this game, on this night...and the two teams came to play.

From the opening tip the game was close, and while the Orioles took an early lead, they couldn't hold on to it for long. In a see-saw game of great defense with moments of good offense, the half ended with the Wildcats up by one.

Both teams brought a decent crowd, and they were loud, filling the gym with cheers, jeers, and a few boos...but for the most part, the crowds were clearly there for the teams.

Late in the game, Central City had finally broken open a barely breathing room ten point lead when senior point Jeffrey Stevens was called for an intentional foul against Springville's point, senior Jordan Scriver.   Was the technical call warranted?  The view from the cheap seats (three rows up on the Oriole side  and directly in front of  the play) says no...it looked very much like a case of too much forward momentum to allow for Stevens to slow down.  Nevertheless, the foul was called, and the resulting four points were just the break the Orioles needed to get back in the game.   As the clock ticked down it became a moment to moment game, with a thick tension in the air.   This was high school basketball at it's finest.

When the Orioles got the ball under the basket, down by four, with less than ten seconds to play, freshman Dan Fitzgerald came in off the bench and cool as ice swished a three pointer, making it a one point point game.  The play was a thing of beauty and it brought Oriole fans to their feet.

Both sides were  on their feet for those final jaw clenching 3 seconds, as Junior Patrick Ray took one for the team and fouled out, and Central City made only 1 of two free throws...a tiny spark of hope flared....but the last minute long pass by the Orioles went slightly astray, and the game ended at 42-40, with Central City moving on.

The fans for both sides stayed on their feet giving well deserved applause to the boys as they did the traditional one handed congratulatory line-up and the Orioles headed to the locker room.  Then something terrific happened.

Senior Point and team leader Jordan Scriver turned around and sought out the young man who had been called for the technical.  He extended his hand in sincere congratulations, and Senior Wildcat Point Jeffrey Stevens responded with a gracious handshake.  Two team leaders fought a valient fight and in the end the victor and his opponent showed their teammates why they are team leaders.   Jordan then personally congratulated (and was joined by a teammate in this) several other Central City players before heading out of the gym to be with his team.

This was a great game....the kind of game that makes you want to watch High School basketball.   Congratulations to the Central City Wildcats & Good Luck at Lone Tree next week.

Though it rarely gets much press...Oriole Fan LOVES displays of integrity on the athletic field...and last night Jordan & Jeffrey set exactly the kind example we should hope that all our children follow.   Jordan closed out his final basketball season with class, and Jeffrey responded in kind.  Both schools have much to be proud of.

Congratulations Jordan, on a high school basketball career you can be proud of, and on showing the leadership that makes us proud to call you an Oriole.

You represented your team, school & community in grand style, and we can't wait to watch you go for the gold in your final season on the track!