Tiffany Mogaka – Lincoln, Nebraska … The Campion Academy boys and girls varsity basketball competed at the annual Union tournament over the February break to top off the season. Ten academies, including a team from Denmark led by Campion alum Richard Bass (’20), joined in the four-day competition at Union College.
Despite the challenge of traveling in cold and snowy conditions, the teams made it safely to the tournament, riding in the new Campion bus. Both Campion teams arrived at Union and played their first game on the same day.
The overall champions of the tournament in the Thunderdome Division were the Sunnydale Academy girls’ team and the Midland Academy boys’ team. The Campion girls’ varsity team emerged as champions, taking first place in the Clocktower Division. Mile High Academy took first place in the boys’ Clocktower Division.
Team Captain Lindsey Smith, a senior, shared, “I’m so glad I participated in my last tournament as a senior at Campion. It was so exciting to receive the trophy and celebrate with my teammates. I’m proud of my girls and the team we’ve become. I’m honored to have played with each of my teammates this year.”
Damaris Lopez, sophomore, stated “I was a little tired from the eight-hour bus drive, but playing on the court gave me so much energy and excitement. I’m glad I got the opportunity to play again this year.”
The Campion boys’ varsity team finished in fourth place in the Clocktower Division. Team Captain Ekenna Nwankwo said, “Even though we didn’t win a ton, the tournament was still really fun. Overall, I think it was a really good experience regardless of how the games went. There was still improvement in our play despite the outcome. It was great watching us grow as a team.”
Boys’ varsity coach Carlos Santana reflected, “I am very proud of this year’s team. Last year the varsity team didn’t win a single game. Yet this year we were able to have a winning season. This is a tremendous jump, so I can only imagine what next year will look like. We have a young core where our starting five consists of three sophomores and two Juniors. This means that we have a foundation to build on for next year.”
Santana continued, “What I loved most was watching this team grow into what it is. Only they know how much work was done not only together at practice, but what each individual player did to get better. They really made my heart smile!”
—Tiffany Mogaka, Campion News Team. Photos provided.
