Basketball games played on a big stage often refer to high-profile and significant events that attract a large audience. Thank you to all of our fans for joining us to watch exciting basketball games featuring our Varsity teams at Little Caesars Arena!

For Junior Brendan Manor and Senior Josephine Gore, these games were bigger than the NBA Finals, NCAA March Madness, Olympic Basketball, or any All-Star games. It was a chance for these Shorians and the rest of their team to work together with teammates to achieve a common goal - to win! Unfortunately the Girls Basketball team came up short against Fraser 19-51 and the Boys Basketball team lost to Liggett 48-51.

The competitive nature of basketball can be exhilarating. Whether playing in organized leagues or pickup games, the desire to win and the challenge of facing opponents can be a significant draw for many enthusiasts. Brendan's love for the sport and the win began at 3-years-old when he played on his Little Tikes hoop.

Even when Brendan was small, he was tall, reaching 5 feet in Kindergarten. His height made him standout and later, as an eighth grader, Coach Mike invited him to practice with the team. He proved his value and became the only freshman on Varsity. He was also the first freshman to win the Leadership Award, acting like a captain without the status. Coach Mike and Brendan have a special bond. Brendan refers to him as a "second dad" and "role model."

Josephine started playing basketball in 6th grade, following in the footsteps of her older brothers David and Michael. At first she was looking for a great cardiovascular workout, but found so much more. Since she came to us from a Catholic school background, she didn't have a lot of Shorian friends and remained shy. Through basketball, she improved both interpersonally and competitively. She uses every minute on the court as opportunities to get better.

Ultimately, the reasons for loving basketball can be deeply rooted in personal experiences.