Breaking a losing streak is a difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible task. However, during the 19th annual staff vs students game, the class of 2024 was finally able to get their first victory in a thrilling 49-48 contest against the staff following 18 straight losses.
“It felt great to be the first team to beat the staff,” student coach senior Ben Sedivy said. “It definitely shows that the class of 2024 is one of the greatest groups of students in Millard South’s history.”
“I knew the team was strong enough to beat the staff so actually beating them felt good knowing we were the first to do it,” senior Sam Stutheit said.
The game is put on every year by DECA to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and provides students with a rare opportunity to go head to head with the staff members.
“I decided to be in the staff vs. student basketball game because it’s important for me to participate in some of the final activities for seniors and represent the class of 2024,” Sedivy said.
“I have always watched the staff vs student game and knew from the start I wanted to play my senior year,” Stutheit said.
Just because this game is for charity and fun does not mean that both sides don’t take the necessary steps to get the win.
“The team prepared for the game by arriving early to practice and getting plenty of shots in before the first quarter. Several players did stretches to prevent any injuries,” Sedivy said.
“I played competitive basketball until my junior year and the skill just kind of stuck with me,” Stutheit said. “I just had to try and get my shot ready.”
The two teams were seemingly evenly matched as it was a close game the entire way that forced the students to adjust their strategy as the game went along.
“The main adjustments that Dalton and I made were determining who was ready to play and who needed some rest,” Sedivy said. “Several players got tired on the court and the team needed supervision to ensure each player remained fresh and ready to go.”
“When we went out in the lead I made sure to let everyone know we have to take our time and control the ball,” Stutheit said. “Before that our team was pushing the ball too fast and was turning it over. So slowing the team down killed some time off the clock and in the end gave us the win.”
Even after the adjustments, the game was still too close to call as it came down to the final possession like many great games do. The students led 49-48 as the staff held the ball with an opportunity to make the final shot to get the victory. However, the students made a strong defensive stand as they were able to get the victory.
“I was concerned during the final moments of the game,” Sedivy said. “The offensive rebounds by the staff allowed them extra possessions which should have never happened. Luckily we were bailed out by our aggressive defense.”
“In the final possession of the game I knew we were up by one point,” Stutheit said. “I just didn’t realize how little time was left. I made sure we had good matchups to play the best defense possible and as soon as they shot it I went to try and secure the rebound. As soon as I secured the rebound the final buzzer rang out and we came out on top for the first time ever.”
The rivalry appears to be entering its next chapter with the students finally getting their first victory. The students will look to start a winning streak next year when the class of 2025 gets their chance to face the staff.
