The Stoughton Vikings boys basketball team practiced all week before the sectional finals hosted at Watertown High School. Our Stoughton Vikings competed against the Pewaukee Pirates, and the team was determined to give their best effort and fought until the very end. The Vikings worked hard to earn the opportunity and were ready to make the most of it.
The game started with Pewaukee taking the first shot, but the families and friends of Stoughton were cheering loudly for the Vikings to claim the ball as soon as possible. As their shoes squeaked against the floor, cheering could be heard throughout the gym. The stands were filled with purple supporters, all rooting for Stoughton.
During the first half, with only two minutes left on the board, Pewaukee led with a score of 23 to Stoughton’s 13. At the 10-minute halftime break, the Pewaukee dance team wowed the crowd with an electrifying hip-hop routine while fans rushed to grab refreshments. Once everyone had returned to the stands, the game resumed. Students and parents alike were on the edge of their seats as the teams battled fiercely for possession of the ball. With only five minutes left on the board, both teams showed no signs of giving up.
Despite the Vikings’ best efforts, they lost the game with a score of 49-62.
Despite the loss, the team was proud of their accomplishments. Jay Johnson, a junior at SHS, expressed that being part of the team has been an exceptional experience that’s brought out the best in him.
“I’ve been on varsity since freshman year, and everyone’s so welcoming. You get really close with people, and you just enjoy being around everybody. You really get a [strong] team bond through basketball […] we are all very tight and connected with each other,” Johnson said.
Seniors Ty Fernholz, Ben Harman, and Sawyer Schipper have tried to make the most of their final season, and their hard work paid off. Being part of such a close-knit team has been instrumental in their success. It has not only helped them to perform better but also to feel better.
“I would say [basketball is important because of] the joy it brings me, the memories I’ve made, the friendships I’ve made, the love that I’ve had for the game and for the people that have surrounded it. […] Being able to go out there and play with my friends, especially in high school for the city that we grew up in,” Schipper said.
Players attest that the season has been filled with countless memories that will last a lifetime. It goes beyond just playing together on the court. It’s about building a connection that lasts long after the season ends.
“I have so many great memories, from the pre-game turf ball games, team dinner hangouts, our playoff wins, and even fighting with Ty Fernholz every other practice. [I enjoyed] every practice and looked forward to them. I thank the coaches and my great teammates for making that happen,” Harman said.
Basketball has left an indelible mark on these players, one that goes beyond just the memories they’ve made. Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of teamwork, or the joy of pushing oneself to new heights, basketball has impacted them in ways that words cannot express. It’s more than just a game; it’s a passion that has enriched their lives in countless ways.
“Basketball has had a pretty large impact on my life […] basketball teaches you so many lessons today. There’s so much to learn in the game, but also life in general […], we’ve worked hard at it for a long time, and it just kind of shows that if you work hard at something and put the time in, you can find success in it,” Schipper said.
Even though the season is over, they will carry all the skills and valuable lessons they have learned along the way. For many athletes, sports hold a special place in their hearts. Some play for fun, while others do it for the sense of community. As they prepare to embark on a new journey, let’s celebrate their achievements and cherish the memories they have created. Thank you seniors.
“I think the most important thing I’ve taken away from basketball is just the amount of friendships I’ve made surrounding the sport,” Ferhnholz said. “Sawyer is my best friend. Would we be best friends if we didn’t play basketball together? I don’t know. [I also played] AAU basketball [where] I’ve made countless friends from different cities that I spend time with. […] I’m very grateful for basketball in that part of my life.”
