The West Prairie Press

By Brecken Smith

The West Prairie varsity boys basketball team traveled to Tremont, Illinois, on Feb. 27 to face the Tremont Turks in the regional championship game. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Cyclones ended their season with a 76–70 loss.

Senior Ryan Clark, who has played basketball for four years as a forward and post, said Tremont’s early shooting gave the Turks an advantage in the first half.

“Tremont came out hot shooting the three ball in the beginning, causing us to be down by double digits at halftime,” Clark said. “When we came out of halftime, we started cutting that lead and I was hopeful we would come back and win. We had the lead toward the end of the game, but the outcome wasn’t what our team was hoping for. We lost by six.”

Clark said the loss was difficult, especially knowing it was the final game of his high school career.

“When that final buzzer went off, all the memories throughout my high school career flooded my head,” Clark said. “I wasn’t sad that we lost; I was sad that it was the last time I would step on the court with my teammates. This season was the best season West Prairie has seen, and it feels great to be a part of this team.”

Reflecting on his four years in the program, Clark encouraged younger players to appreciate the time they have.

“I would tell younger players to have fun, but don’t take your time for granted because your senior year will be here and over before you know it,” Clark said.

Junior Braden Coplan, who has, according to him, played basketball since he learned to walk, and he serves as a guard, said the game against Tremont was the team’s toughest challenge of the season.

“The game against Tremont was good for us because it was our biggest challenge all year,” Coplan said. “We came out slow in the first half but showed who we really are in the second half. We fought with all we had and made it a close game.”

Coplan said the team’s strong bond made the season especially meaningful.

“I couldn’t be happier for this team of ours, and I love calling this team my family,” Coplan said.

Although the loss marked the end of the season, Coplan said the experience of playing with the senior class will stay with him.

“My junior year ending hurts a lot because I will never step on the court with the seniors again,” Coplan said. “We have been playing together since kindergarten, and it won’t feel the same without them.”

Looking ahead to his final season next year, Coplan said he is optimistic about the team’s future.

“I can’t wait for my last year of basketball,” Coplan said. “I think we will be really successful again.”