It’s time for the final chapter in this year’s book for Pacers Basketball, after a heartbreaking end to the season last year, where the boys’ team lost to the state final four to Cleveland St. Ignatius 53-54 in Dayton. The Pacers now look to make a long run back to Dayton starting this Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., as they take on Grove City to open up the bracket.
A big worry about high school tournaments for teams is the lack of experience in the pressured situations, but the basketball team has had ten players return to the team since the loss in Dayton.
“The experience from going to the final four contributes a lot to the tournament run this year,” senior Garrett Brown said. “We definitely have increased confidence, a lot of experience with returning players who performed under pressure and the run last year added to the team chemistry. So bringing that into the tournament this year should contribute a lot to another run.”
Following a solid season with ups and downs, they finished with an 18-4 record. And with a bracket filled with unpredictability, there’s no doubt this will be another hard-fought March to remember for the Pacers. Hayes did finish second in their conference while also putting up statement wins against top 15 teams in the state for Division 1, Pickerington North and a really good Brunswick, who is ranked 5th.
“Both of those wins were huge as both teams are final four contenders,” head coach Adam Vincenzo said. “It gives us confidence knowing that our difficult schedule has prepared us for March.”
After losing 2024 graduates Jesse Burris and Jake Lowman, Senior Landon Vanderwarker has taken over the leadership role while also being a standout player this season for the Pacers leading the team with 19.1 points and 10.2 rebounds a game.
“Well last year when I came to Hayes Jesse and Jake were THE guys,” Vanderwarker said. “Now that we don’t have Jesse and Jake, this year I have to use more voice and just be that guy that can uplift others but also make the plays and be counted on when we need it.”
Vincenzo said that the ongoing culture of the team has also been a big factor in the team’s success.
“Our culture has been established long before I was blessed with the opportunity, I added my own flair with ‘The Brotherhood’ and our pillars to continue building what was already established,” Vincenzo said.
“The Brotherhood” has changed the culture surrounding the team over the past few seasons for the better as they are closer together like family on and off the court.
“We work really hard at it and we’re together a lot throughout the year. We want to create a family-like atmosphere where teammates are more than just a teammate, they are a brother,” Vincenzo said.
Tuesday, the No. 4 Pacers will go up against No. 20 Grove City for the first time since 2017. The Greyhounds went 5-16 on the year even getting a win over 13th ranked in Division 3, St Francis DeSales. Following Grove City, the winner will play at the Taft Coliseum on March 2 at 3:30 p.m., before taking on the winner of the Southwest 6 bracket.
