The boys basketball team’s season came to an end with a 60-56 overtime loss to Hiram in the first round of the state playoffs. They finished third in Region 4-AAAA at 10-4 and showed steady growth throughout the year, but ultimately, stretches of inconsistency proved costly in the end.
Head coach Evan Jefferson said the loss came down to lack of execution in key moments.
“The biggest factor that contributed to our loss was free throws,” Jefferson said. “We missed 15, and we were 14 for 19 from the free throw line. We just didn’t shoot very well, overall. If we made a couple shots that we missed, we definitely could have won.”
Senior captain Darrion Hadley said his mindset entering the game was simply to just stay grounded and play for his teammates.
“My mindset was just to be yourself, go out there and hoop, be there for your brothers and go get the win,” Hadley said.
The Knights trailed for most of the game, but Jefferson said the momentum changed late in regulation.
“Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Cam Austin got fouled shooting a three,” Jefferson said. “Even though he went one for three from the line, it still changed things. I gave them a speech at the end of the fourth quarter to motivate them, and it got them going.”
The overtime loss brought a subdued end in the locker room, particularly for the seven seniors whose high school careers ended that night.
“They were crushed,” Jefferson said. “This is the last time they’re going to play high school ball, represent the school, represent their friends and family and play together, as a whole.”
Hadley said he wished the team began to build chemistry earlier in the year, and the lack of chemistry was evident on the court.
“I wish we could have got our chemistry right in the beginning of the season,” Hadley said. “Get to know each other more on and off the court so we wouldn’t have had these problems. It definitely showed in moments where we could have had a bucket but made a bad pass, or just made a stupid turnover because we weren’t communicating.”
Despite the early exit, Hadley said the team exceeded season expectations.
“I would describe it as a success,” Hadley said. “Not many people had us winning 10 games. We went out there and won 16 or 17 games and made the playoffs.”
Although the team lacked chemistry at times, it continued to compete. One moment that stood out to Hadley was the comeback against Pace Academy.
“We ended up being down big, but we fought back into the game together as a team,” Hadley said. “I think that showed our resilience to not just lay down to any team.”
Junior Arthur Ball, one of the seven first year varsity players, said the large group of new varsity players took time to adjust.
“At the beginning of the season, a lot of people who were new to varsity didn’t really understand our roles and the environment,” Ball said. “But as the season continued, we understood our roles and created a better connection with the people who were veterans.”
Hadley said he grew as both a player and a leader, and representing Midtown for four years meant everything.
“I grew by being more as a leader, not overthinking, not making things complicated. My game is pretty simple — you just can’t overthink it,” Hadley said. “After being on the team for four years, I think It shows my consistency, my hard work and dedication to this program. I’ll miss being out there with the bros. Nothing can really replace that.”
Jefferson said the juniors showed meaningful growth.
“They definitely stepped up,” Jefferson said. “A few players stepped up and really surprised me.”
Ball said the season taught him what the returning group needs to change moving forward.
“I think the team needs to focus on pushing ourselves, not giving up so soon, communication, trusting one another and understanding each other,” Ball said. “We need to learn from our mistakes from the previous season and, most importantly, trust our coaches and the advice they tell us.”
Looking ahead, Jefferson said the returning players know what’s required to take the next step.
“We’re losing a lot of experience and a lot of our toughness,” Jefferson said. “To take the next step, they need to get in the gym more. They need to focus and listen, but the main thing is they’re going to have to work really hard.”
