The Peter Turonis Memorial Gymnasium was the site for Boys Basketball and Cheerleading Senior Night. The game against Mid Valley was held on January 22. In a normal season, Senior Night occurs during the last game of the season. This year, due to the pandemic, it was celebrated during the first home game to ensure the seniors were honored. It also was the first home varsity sporting event this school year.
“Coming into this season there was so many uncertainties. I had no idea if we would get to play,” noted senior basketball star Raymond Ofner, a three-year starter who contributed 13 points against the Spartans. “I’ve been on the team for four years now and every year has brought a new challenge but this year isn’t like any other. We never know when our last game will be so every game we are all out there giving it our all. Our senior year hasn’t been the best but I am very grateful that we are getting the opportunity to play.” Jahiem Brooker (#43), another three-year starter, and Jose Mendez (#25), joined Raymond (#10) as the three basketball seniors recognized.
“Coach Mangan and myself were happy to see that the senior players and their families were able to celebrate this great accomplishment,” noted Coach Thomas Mauro, a veteran basketball assistant who coached his first game as the head of the program.
The senior cheerleaders were also recognized on Senior Night. “After cheering for eleven years through both the Junior Chargers program and my high school cheer, it meant so much to be able to have a senior night and cheer one last season with my friends,” stated Taylor Mazza. “These years have been the best years of my life and I’ve loved being able to be a part of the excitement all the games entailed.” Mazza joined Aniela Connolly, Amelia Muta, and Nalla O’Dowd as the four seniors honored.
“I am so proud of my senior girls,” explained Coach Michele Caviston. “It was a tough year not knowing if they would be able to cheer at all. The girls missed football season but luckily were able to cheer for basketball. We did the best we could in this situation and as a team they all pulled together and did a great job and also made some memories. I wish you all the best of luck; I know you will do great things. Seniors…….Look forward as you are at the beginning of a wonderful time in your life!”
The Chargers Basketball Team and Cheerleading Squad have their next home game Thursday night, where they hope to earn a victory against one of their top rivals, the Lakeland Chiefs.
