On Friday, M-A’s annual March Madness basketball tournament culminated in a 15-11 victory for Team Anderson. At first glance, one might have thought that an NCAA tournament game was being held. From packed bleachers to loud chants, leadership’s annual lunchtime tournament concluded with an energetic and notable finale.
The tournament spanned over two weeks and began on March 11th with 16 teams. The final boasted two talented squads, Team Kennedy and Team Anderson. Despite an obvious disadvantage for Team Kennedy as Team Anderson possessed three M-A varsity basketball starters, Team Kennedy rallied to the challenge.
Team Kennedy won opening the tip-off and immediately buried a three by senior Zayan Chughtai. However, Team Anderson answered right back with a three of their own from senior Harrison Long. Both teams traded threes once again as senior Chase Trigg swished one from way beyond the arc, closely followed by a corner three by senior Rowan Kelly to tie the game at 6-6. Misses and good defense from both teams kept the game tied going into halftime.
“I was definitely surprised that the game was tied at half. We went into the game thinking it wouldn’t be close,” said Long.
In the second half, Team Anderson began to pull away. Multiple airballs by Team Kennedy were turned into layups for Team Anderson. The game seemed to be out of reach as Team Anderson established a 15-6 lead, but Team Kennedy fought until the very end. Another three-pointer by Chughtai followed by a steal and a layup by senior Baron Kadivar brought the score back to 11-15. In the end, Team Kennedy’s efforts were too little too late, as the game ended 15-11.
Despite the loss, Chughtai was pleased with his experience, “It was a lot of fun to compete with all these people I know and get a chance to play the game I love.”
March Madness has proved to be one of the school’s most popular leadership events. In a month packed with watching collegiate basketball, the school’s tournament creates an exciting environment where students are granted the opportunity to step away as spectators and jump in as players. “It was a crazy atmosphere. I’ve never experienced anything like that during school before,” said senior Aaron Becker.
From wearing silly headbands to finishing games drenched with sweat, students are sure to have fun throughout the tournament.
Senior Jonah Missan said, “Sometimes the school doesn’t always rally to spirit events, but it was awesome to see everyone embrace and buy into this one.”
