What started off as a story about a local high school basketball team on the court quickly turned into the story of a real organized movement by the student body on the court and off the court. The story on the court was led by many cancelled league home games. So most of their wins were on the road.
The starting lineup was made of one senior, one junior, two sophomores and a freshman: a young team that made it 3 games away from winning State. Their strength is in their numbers with plenty of depth on the bench. If one word can identify this team I would pick “perseverance”. Students in the stands were limited due to Covid rules so it was teammates on the court who gave up a lot of their allotted 4 people per game tickets to their classmates. Families sat at home so that the students could attend and support their team. It was truly “The Sixth Man” on the road.
One of the “Sixth Man” students that led the charge was Cade Carter. Cade lost his father in 2020 to a terrible accident, but he still brought his dad’s trademark suit and energy to every game he could. He is member of this team and there is no doubt. His father’s vibrant colored hat and suit started a movement from the student body.
I managed to shoot 3 of the Wolves home playoff games and the very first thing that I noticed was the electrifying atmosphere. The whole student body put on an amazing display with their colorful suits and excited cheers.
I love sports and I love it when I see young men and women with that same love leave it all out on there every game. The team definitely felt and thrived on the energy every game.
Though the SRVHS Varsity did fall short on their journey vs. Elk Grove (55-59) ending their run for a state championship, they were so close. Elk Grove won state. It’s the journey to the end that the families, I’m sure, enjoyed the most.
From a freshman starter to another young man facing adversity, loss and tragedy, to the seniors and team leaders supporting them all – everyone worked towards a common goal.
Congratulations to all of the graduating Varsity Seniors!
SRVHS Varsity Seniors
Colin Ecker
Tyler Campbell
Renney Herrerias
Michael Reeve
Duke Beardslee
Tyler Holbrook
By Ricky Helton, Resident since 2004
My wife and I have a daughter at Stone Valley Middle School and a son who is a Senior at Monte Vista. I do sideline photography for Niners Nation, and I love to capture sports and action. Most importantly, I love our community and I like to capture its awesome moments. More photos from other sports in our area can also be seen at my Facebook page @ RickyHeltonPhotography.