Varsity Boys’ Basketball Wrap-up 2007-08

Without advance notice or self-promotion, this collection of seemingly unlikely cagers took it upon themselves to shift the paradigm and bring hard work and desire back to Stone Gym on a nightly basis.  Injury and the vagaries of the schedule found us wanting near the mid-season mark; undaunted, this intrepid group proceeded to win seven of their last ten to just miss the playoffs by a game.  With a 6-1 record at home, the ‘Wolves sent a loud message to their NEPSAC opponents:  Enter Stone at your peril.  While the offense coughed and sputtered throughout, the players’ buy-in of the defensive scheme created more than just an opportunity to win — the willingness to work hard and the resolve resulting from their collective sacrifice created a lasting identity that was apparent to players and fans alike.  It was great to have Stone rockin’ again.

Tabor will graduate Ivan Biondic, Hide Sakamoto, and Jarrod Bannon — as well as our excellent videographer/practice timekeeper, Rebecca Nahill — in the spring.  They will be sorely missed, and we wish them much luck and success in their future endeavors.

Each of the sub-varsity programs — JVA mentored by Coaches Sepulveda and Johnson, and JVB by Coaches Salit and Warner — exemplified the type of learning of skills, of developing proper attitude, and of contributing to something greater than oneself that is essential for future athletic participation and excellence as well as characteristics to be honed in one’s life away from the athletic arena.  The significant contributions made by these coaches matters a great deal to their charges and to the health of the program as well.