Yesterday, both Green Level Basketball programs took the court for a special game: the senior night game. The Gators would face off against the Green Hope Falcons, who Coach Green formerly coached. But before the senior night ceremony, the women’s team would start it off. They previously defeated the Falcons in their last game against each other away from home.

The Falcons would come out with a bit of a edge to them, as they were able to score extremely well and keep pace with the Gators. The first quarter would end 18-17 in favor of the Falcons, but things were bound to change. After the break, Green Level went on a 12-0 run with countless steals and easy baskets. This run saw them take control of the game, and they never really looked back.  A few surges late by the Falcons would be squashed, and senior night was off to a hot start with a 64-51 win! I was able to catch up with senior Gianna (G Fanta) Palange about the atmosphere: “It was fun. It was lit”

Next, it was time for the ceremonies. First, Seniors from Green Level Dance and Cheer Team were recognized for all their hard work! Finally, both Men’s and Women’s Basketball came out of the tunnel created by Green Level’s underclassmen. After taking pictures with their parents, it was time for the warm ups and the game!

Having lost to Green Hope away from home, it was time for revenge at the swamp. The first quarter saw Green Level get out to a nice 8-3 lead, after some great attack of the zone defense the falcons were coming out in. With players flashing to the middle of the zone, Green Level was able to create mismatches to attack the paint with. Despite being the smaller team in height, Green Level showed no sign of fear in going straight to the rim I got Senior Tyler Coffee to give me some insight into why they chose that approach going into the game. “We record statistics of our games. Our highest percentage of points come from there so we made it a goal to get in the restricted area ” The gators would start the first half strong, leading by a score of 20-10 at the end of the first quarter, and extended that lead going into the second half. Players like Senior Ivery Cotton-Upshaw attacked the Green Hope big men all night, drawing baskets and trips to the free throw line. Using this advantage in the paint, Green Level ended up with a comfortable 20 point lead with just a few minutes to go. A few late points by the Falcons wouldn’t be enough, and the Gators would win 74-60.

This win notched the first men’s and women’s sweep of Green Hope in school history. For the men’s program, this game keeps their hopes of the playoffs alive. A win today against Middle Creek secures them the coveted playoff position! Come on Guys!