By Jackson Teal
Being on the winning team may pass the eye test, but for some players it’s not always 20/20 vision.
There can only be five starters on a basketball team, so the younger or less experienced players may have to sit back and wait patiently for their time to shine.
With the Delta boys’ basketball lineup a year ago being heavily veteran led, it has been hard for some of the bright spots on the bench and JV to shine.
The Eagles graduated six seniors in the class of 2024 that led their team to back-to-back semi-state trips.
The sophomores and juniors, a part of last year’s team that served as relievers for the starters, will now step under the spotlight and into the starting role.
Delta’s recent success puts the five under the microscope to continue the winning tradition.
“There’s more pressure this year than any other year. Coming off the two back-to-back semi-state runs, no one knows what to expect,” junior point guard Lucas Bragg said. “They think we lost everything, and I just don’t think that’s the case. I think that you’ll see a lot of people surprised this season, and that’s what I’m more excited for, to be able to prove people wrong.”
Bragg spent his first two high school seasons on junior varsity. He averaged about 16 points per game last season being the main scoring output for the JV Eagles (17-4).
Bragg’s skills could have potentially led him to varsity level basketball at another school.
“The thought never crossed my mind,” Bragg said. “We have the best coaching as anywhere, and I knew just to trust the process and my time would come.”
After all the waiting now in his junior season he is ready to step up and earn his varsity starting spot at the shooting guard position.
Head Coach Mark Detweiler and staff have many big time decisions like this to make before the season-opening scrimmage on Nov. 23 at home vs. Northeastern.
When brainstorming the potential lineup there are two problems they must consider.
“Depth and starting level experience is the million dollar question for us currently,” Detweiler said.
He said he believes although they may not have as much depth or experience as previous seasons they have strengths of their own.
“They’re very poised, they are very special seniors, and I think their strength is going to be that they really do love playing with each other. They play well together,” Detweiler said.
Senior forward Bronson Edwards is ready to play to those strengths. He came off the bench, taking in many valuable minutes at the varsity level.
He believes this experience will benefit him going forward.
“It brings kind of a surprise factor,” he said. “No one has seen us (seniors) play a full game together; they don’t know what exactly we bring to the table.”
Edwards’ closest friend and teammate, senior Cooper Bratton, has been preparing for the varsity role for many years now.
Bratton’s life has flowed through Delta Basketball. It has been a strong foundation for him for many years.
“Since sixth grade, I’ve had the mindset to hold my teammates accountable,” Bratton said. “I try to be a coach on the court and always bring the energy.”
Although this will be Bratton’s first year as a key player on varsity, it won’t be the first time his voice as a leader will be heard.
“Despite the skills he possesses, what might be most special about him is his ability to motivate his teammates throughout the season,” Detweiler said.
Bratton is a point guard, a vital position on the hardwood. One of his goals for the season is to follow the lead of 2024 grad Jonny Manor.
“Jonny laid out the foundation for me and I believe I am capable of following in his footsteps,” Bratton said.
Another senior teammate Chase Ritchie will also spend his last season on varsity.
Ritchie is excited to attempt to replicate the success of last year’s team.
“I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into basketball and I’m ready to win with this program one last time,” Ritchie said.
Ritchie is a three-sport athlete chasing his second regional title for basketball.
Instead of three sports Jordan Furney chooses to spend his hours focusing on basketball, making sure he’s the best he can be on the court.
Furney was the first man off the bench for the Eagles last season.
Now in his last season he is ready to step into a bigger role and make an impact as an all around player.
“My versatility is a big strength for our lineup,” Furney said. “I can play guard or forward, whatever the team needs.”
Although these five each have their own differences in their path to Delta basketball, their similarity is the bond they have formed.
You don’t need glasses to see the friendships Delta basketball has formed that will help ensure a bright future.
