You’ll never see a Latin crowd more excited than when they’re at the Big Game, an annual basketball match between Latin and Parker.
Friday night, students from all grade levels trickled into the UIC Credit 1 Arena sporting bright orange—some even wearing face paint. Many held up signs in support of players. From both sides of the court, there was a sense of competitiveness mounting and encouragement for the players who were moments from entering.
At 8 p.m., the varsity team stepped onto the court and spotlighted their senior athletes: Charlie Harris, Luca Ladner, Ryder Shiffman, Paul Silvani, and Vijay Silvani. Amid the flower bouquets handed to each senior, the snapping of digital cameras, and the erupting cheers, none of the upperclassmen anticipated the loss.
Senior Ryder Shiffman said, “When I first stepped foot onto the court, I felt confident and excited for the big game. I felt the fans' energy, and I’m sure the players could feel it also.”
Similarly, sophomore Sophia Quinonez said, “Everybody was excited to see how the game would unfold, everyone was cheering and proud for the players.”
Right away, the Parker Colonels took the lead, making impressive shots. Latin junior Josh Solovy worked hard to close the gap and get the ball to junior Thomas McLaughlin, who tightened the score to 12-6 with 3:25 left in the first quarter.
Charlie and his teammates played solid defense, but Latin ultimately allowed its rival to gain a sizable lead after Parker’s very effective press forced multiple turnovers, some of which led to easy baskets for the Colonels.
Latin stayed in the game, though, down just 23-16 at the end of the first quarter, giving fans faith that they could turn the game around.
Senior Myles Levine said, “I held onto hope that the boys could at least make it close.”
Following the end of the first quarter, the team huddled. After 30 seconds, the buzzer sounded and players scattered back onto the court, more ready than ever to close the gap.
Their motivation required the focus and dedication of all players. Juniors Luke McMillan and Ben Laytin upped their defense.
Helped by Thomas’s consistent free throws, Latin continued to score, but they ended the first half down 47-28.
Senior Jeremiah Wheatley said, “I know the guys well, I had faith in a turnaround. I was certain of it. I mean, I’ve seen their skill displayed in many other games.”
However, some fans were losing hope.
Freshman Mahek Patel said, “I was kind of worried. I remember thinking: Can they step it up? Will they win? What will happen?”
While the Romans were emboldened by their coach during halftime, Parker seemed more fueled than ever by the consistent cheers of their teammates and fans. Players in navy blue guarded the ball until it was out of Latin’s hands, then secured almost every shot.
The third quarter ended at 62-45. Latin students attempted to keep the energy alive and motivate the players, shouting “Let’s go Romans, let’s go” as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter.
Realizing they hadn’t lost the faith of their supporters, the Romans kept fighting.
The growing noise from Latin got into the Colonels’ heads and, as the time dwindled, Parker’s fouls increased, giving the Romans yet another set of free throws. Charlie recognized the free throws as his chance to bridge the growing point divide, which he did.
The Romans decided to make the last quarter a true show of their determination. The boys made fierce passes between Parker’s defensive players, tripping them up and racing across the court.
Despite a hard-fought battle, the Romans lost 85-66. The roar of the crowd fell to silence, and rows in the stadium started clearing out, but nothing could dim the camaraderie and resilience demonstrated by every player.
“The boys did really good, and they tried their best. I think we just had really tough odds since a lot of people were injured, and we didn’t have [all of] our best players on the court,” senior Mel Butler said. “I still have hopes that we’ll get the win next year and beyond that, even though I won’t be there to see it.”
Photographers: Cherish Curtis, Jonah Kaufman, Lev Lippitz, Jeremiah Wheatley
