The Lincoln Log

Bobby Harrison of the Boy’s varsity basketball received the “All Tournament Award” during the three days Saleran Basketball Tournament in Richmond. He received the award after being recognized as one of the best and consistent players. Graciously upon receiang the award, he thanked his team mates for their help. Although he excelled at the event, basketball wasn’t always as important to him as it is now.

Harrison joined the Basketball team during his sophomore year only with the intent of conditioning for baseball. Now, as a senior, his inspiration and motivation to play the sport has changed tremendously.

“I want to be the best. It’s a challenge to beat [the other teams] and make the team because everyone plays [basketball],”Harrison said, “we [as a team] have gained a better understanding of the game and each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

He now understands that it takes more than just skill to make it to championships. The entire team is working hard together in hopes of improving from the previous years. For the majority of the team, this is their third or fourth year playing for Lincoln as well as their last. This is their final chance of making it to championships, so the stakes are very high.

With new head coach Mike Gragnani, they’re bound to succeed. This is his nineteenth year coaching the sport, having coached seven years at Beverly High, six years at Redwood High, and five years at St. Ignatius.

“I look at it as an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Gragnani.

He’s glad with how the team is doing so far and their efforts. Although the team has lost two matches so far, they’re still not discouraged. They played as hard as they could and hope for the better in their future games.

“I love Basketball and I love hanging out with my friends. This is like a two for one for me,” said team member Aaron Hall.

Basketball isn’t just a competitive sport, it’s also a great way to have fun and meet new people. No wonder why the players have grown to be close friends; the team spends several hours practicing together until late at night, six days a week. When people have to work together constantly they grow closer, which is why some of the team members have become best friends through basketball. Although they’d like to think they’re an irreplaceable team, they welcome and encourage others to join the team next year when they graduate.