PLATTSBURGH — There were laughs and smiles from the stands, the court and the bench.
In one final game, seniors from across the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference converged on Seton Catholic to enjoy a basketball game without the pressure and intensity that came from playing during their athletic career.
“Yeah, it definitely was a good sendoff,” Plattsburgh High’s Dan Hartmann said. “I mean, people are doing what they want, and that’s just to have fun.
“We want to make the game as fun as you can. Obviously, there’s no win or lose. It’s not counting towards anything. It’s just to have fun with your buddies.”
And that’s what happened between the boys and girls games. Teammates guarding each other, laughter being heard between dribbles. From three points near half court, to dunk attempts, everyone simply had a good time.
“That’s all about that, honestly, and I feel like that’s why this was so fun for me, is because I got to end my season on a high note,” Beekmantown’s Payton Parliament said. “We kind of ended on the low note, and this meant so much to me that we ended on, putting a smile on my face.”
While teammates guarded each other, it would also wrap up the careers of players being on the same team together. Regardless of playing with — or against — them for one last time, players cherished the moments that will carry with them.
“It means a lot to me, having worn this jersey for two years,” AuSable Valley’s Raven Sessoms said. “It’s a special night. It’s great to play with my lone senior (Emma Pelkey) teammate.
“I got to play with some friends that I made throughout the years. It was really good.”
Sure, the games had more laughs and weren’t competitive. Well, at the end of the girls game the intensity showed itself. The away team had rallied from a halftime deficit and come back to grab the lead with minutes to go.
Defense picked up, ball movement did too, but when the buzzer ended it was all smiles from the players that took part.
“It was really nice, you know, to get to play a game that was more low pressure and just kind of for fun,” Saranac’s Brenna Ducatte said. “And of course, we still got a little competitive at the end, I love these girls, especially on my team. I’m really gonna miss playing with them.”
During halftime of both games, there were small competitions: a three point contest for the girls and boys, while the boys also held a dunk contest.
Sessoms exuded confidence as she waited her turn in the game, saying after the competition that she’s been shooting three’s since fifth or sixth grade.
On the boy side had a few dunks for the highlight reel. Balls bounced off the backboard, went between legs and even Beekmantown’s Leo Williams had fellow Eagle Steven Bronson bounce a ball off the backboard, which he followed with a slam.
Needless to say, Williams won the contest.
In the three point contest for the boys, Moriah’s Cooper Allen walked away with the win.
But, the halftime show wasn’t over as the reigning CVAC MVP’s, Ducatte and Allen faced off in a three point contest. Allen took home the win in that as well.
Asking him, he was all smiles after the game, as he enjoyed it with four other Vikings.
“Yeah, it’s awesome,” he said. “I mean, we’ve been playing together with each other since, I don’t even know how long, since we’ve been first grade, second grade. We’ve been friends forever.
“I mean, we go to each other’s house three or four days out of the week. I mean, we’re together all the time. So to come out here and play one last time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
While it was a time to play against friends and rivals, some players never had the chance to line up next to each other. So, it may have been a goodbye of sorts, but there were also new experiences.
“I was really excited, especially for Raven, because I’ve never really got to play with her, either in travel or school,” Ducatte said. “It was cool to get to share the court with her, you know, she’s an amazing player, great shooter.
“And then also some of my own teammates. It was nice to have played them one last time.”
That’s the sentiment that each player had that suited up for the final time at Seton Catholic. It was a night of celebration for family and players as one chapter closes and another one will soon begin.
Spring sports are just around the corner, with graduation soon to follow. Don’t tell these players.
“I still feel like I’m in the middle of high school,” Ducatte said.” I’m excited for flag football. It’s something new.
“I’m really excited. I don’t think it’s time, it’s flying by. I still can’t believe that I’m done with basketball at Saranac.”