Category Archives: Boys Basketball

Seniors commemorate four years of wide-spread talent

By Claire DeFrancisci and Meghan Poff

Tuesday night at the boys’ basketball game against Brownstown Central, the cheerleaders, Dazzlers, pep band, and boys’ basketball team celebrated Senior Night. Between players, parents, and coaches, there was a mixture of feelings.
For cheerleading coach Ashley Nevin, the last home game with the seniors was an emotional night.
“This last home game is bittersweet. I’m excited for the girls and the things they have to come but I am also going to miss them,” said Nevin.
Although the cheerleading team will be losing three seniors this year, Nevin sees it as an opportunity for the younger team members.
“There are always voids to fill every year when your lose seniors, but I’m also excited to see some of the underclassmen have their chance to step up as leaders,” said Nevin.
For other teams, the void will be a tough one to fill. Dazzler coach Todd Sharp recalls his time with his group of girls.
“This year’s senior class was I think the closest group of girls I have ever had. These are girls that if it wasn’t for the team, I don’t think would have ever become friends and I have been able to watch them grow together throughout the years. They are all strong leaders and they compliment each other well,” said Sharp.
As senior basketball player Quinton Miller thinks about his time at FC, he said he will definitely miss practice the most.
“I’m feeling depression and sadness. And happiness and excitement,” said Miller.
For senior Jenna Bain, the last home game of the season reminds her of what she loves most about being a Dazzler.
“Being on this team has helped me push myself to the limit and continue to become a better dancer.”

Tonight’s basketball game helps community fight cancer

By Luke Geraghty and Blake Dykes

Tonight’s boys’ basketball game against Jennings County will be a Coaches vs. Cancer theme. Every student who dresses up in formal attire and wears tennis shoes will get into the game for free. Boice.net will donate $5 to every student who dresses accordingly. There will also be auction items donated by Coca-Cola, the Hartog family, and Todd Sharp from University of Louisville. The money will go to the American Cancer Society.

Athletic director Jeff Cerqueira said tonight’s game really emphasizes community involvement.

“We will be passing buckets around during the third quarter,” he said. “Anyone who wants to write a check can go online to cancer.org/coaches.”

Coaches vs. Cancer has been popular among the college level. Some of the most premiere teams square off at Madison Square Garden during the invitational.

“It started at college and it has trickled down to the high school level,” Cerqueira said.

Although this is the first year Coaches vs. Cancer is being held, the plan to Cerqueira is to make it every year.

“The plan is to have it every year and hopefully build on it so it can become a school/community project.”

Highlanders prepare to face New Albany Friday; court to be named for former coach Joe Hinton

by Ty Elliott

Friday night the 2-0 Highlanders boys’ basketball team will take on the 0-1 New Albany Bulldogs at FC in a rivalry of Floyd County schools. While the game will be between two fierce rivals and Hoosier Hills Conference foes, a special tribute will be made to former FC basketball coach Joe Hinton.

Hinton, who was coach for the boys’ program from its inception in 1967 until 1998, will have the floor named after him. For the Highlanders to beat the Bulldogs, who have dominated the series in the last few seasons, head coach Randy Gianfagna said his team must be ready to handle full court pressure.

“New Albany will press us and they will try to take us off the dribble,” said Gianfagna.

Both teams have new additions or upperclassmen stepping into new roles. New Albany received two talented transfers, AJ and Blake Schmidt, who previously attended Providence High School. AJ is a sharp shooting guard who can score at will and is capable of taking defenders off the bounce, while twin brother Blake is solid player in his own right. While AJ, who is receiving interest from Division One schools, gets all the attention, it is his brother Blake who always seems to make a key play in the game.

For the Highlanders, senior Nick Bombersbach has become a key part to their offensive attack. Bombersbach, who played sparingly last season, had a career high 26 points while hitting six three pointers in their win against Silver Creek. The Highlanders victory over Silver Creek gave FC their first 2-0 start since 1998.

The Highlanders’ next game after Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs will be Friday, Dec. 16 against the Columbus East Olympians.