On Sunday, March 6th, history was made at Rhode Island College. The Vermont Academy Boys' Varsity Basketball claimed the program's first NEPSAC championship.
The class AA Wildcats, who lost to Tilton School in the AA finals last season, were determined to avenge last year’s late playoff exit. As soon as they stepped on campus this fall, they had one common goal: to finish this season on top. That is just what they did. Senior co-captain Pat Fisher had said earlier this year that he could tell this season would be special. "There was a new kind of drive from the returners, and all of the new guys brought the want to win, too. Anything other than a championship would be a disappointment in our minds." Thanks to countless hours in the weight room and the gym, the outcome was fulfilling.
Facing Cushing in the championship game, it was a neck-and-neck battle for more than the first half of the game. A great team effort, helped largely by 35 points from Miami-bound senior Bruce Brown, got the Wildcats the win. Sophomore Bailey Patella gave credit to all of his teammates, “It was a phenomenal effort by our whole team. Everybody did their part, and it showed.” This was especially evident when sophomore Christian David went down with an ACL tear in the first half of the game, but the Wildcats rallied despite his injury.
Accredited as "The best student section in the NEPSAC" by Head Coach Alex Popp, The Wildcat faithful were as loud as ever in playoff games against rival KUA, and St. Andrews. With the boys in black and orange winning both games by 20-plus points, Coach Popp and the team ate up every clap, every chant, and every three fingers held high by the fans. “It’s amazing to step into that gym and feel the atmosphere that all of the students create. It fuels us,” said sophomore Will Brady. Brady, who earned the most improved player award this year, was just one of the many standout athletes and young men who represent Vermont Academy on and off the basketball court.
The entire VA community could not be more proud of these boys for the season they put together.
-Ryan Strickland
Below and cover photo by Conor McArdle
Photo by Liz Olmsted
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