The phrase “D-up” (short for “defense up”) echoed through Pioneer High School’s basketball court as several of Skyline High School’s freshmen cheered on their team from the bench. Players and parents cheered loudly during Pioneer’s long-awaited home game, originally scheduled for Feb. 12 but postponed five days due to inclement weather. The Eagles were eager to get revenge for a 62-48 loss to the Pioneers earlier in the season. Unfortunately for Skyline, the freshman boys’ basketball game ended in a defeat to Pioneer, who took the win with an 81-56 victory.
Initially, Skyline had the upper hand, before both teams tied 8-8. Uriah Hayes (No. 35) hit two free throws, helping Pioneer to secure the lead. Community High School student and Pioneer guard Anju Paulick’s scoring of a three-point shot, close to the end of the first half, only added to their momentum.
“Overall, we did good,” said Paulick regarding his team’s overall performance in the game. “We came out to a slow start, but that’s kind of always been an issue for us. I knew we were going to dominate, and my mentality was to start [the game] off with enthusiasm.”
Throughout the second half of the game, Pioneer maintained its lead as they forced multiple turnovers and put constant pressure on Skyline’s offense. Skyline had difficulties attaining the upper hand and playing more aggressively.
“We didn’t play good enough,” said Levi Stewart, a Skyline player reflecting upon their performance in the second half. “We turned the ball over and we couldn’t get the ball past the half-court. But for how Pioneer played, they just applied pressure.”
As the final buzzer sounded, the Pioneers secured the win with an impressive 81 points, hegemonizing the court, while the Eagles struggled to keep pace, scoring 56 points. Pioneer’s relentless defense and offensive efficiency sealed the win. Despite the loss, Skyline players remain optimistic. With the end of the season drawing ever nearer, Skyline’s freshman basketball team was excited to put the loss behind them and move on to their next and final game of the season.
“We only have one game left, so we’re just excited to go and win our last game,” Stewart said.
Skyline closed out their season against Monroe High School one day later, on Feb 18, while Pioneer had two more games approaching the end of the season.
The parents of Pioneer’s team joined the players in their excitement about the game’s outcome.
“The feeling was that this was Pioneer’s house tonight,” said Jenille Boston, the parent of Pioneer player Julian Kessnich, also known as “Sunshine.”
In the audience, Boston could often be observed cheering on her son during the second half of the game.
While the competition was fierce, the crowd’s excitement remained positive as kindness prevailed.
“Well, we’re all a family here at Pioneer, so everybody sits together and talks,” said Donald Scott II, a parent in the crowd. “We encourage each other’s kids to do good, and even if they’re doing bad, we kind of put that family atmosphere to them. It’s all the same, it’s just a basketball game.”
While the freshman team seasons are quickly coming to a close, you can catch their varsity counterparts as they battle for a district title on Feb. 26 at 7:00 pm at Dexter High School.
