By Matt Browning
The Sterling boys basketball team was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for April.
The Black Bears defeated Erie 64-54 in the first round of the 2A Tournament in Manhattan.
“Yes, the winning is always fun, but this group of guys was just fun to be around, both in the halls at school and at practice each day,” Sterling coach Derek Schneider said. “It was a team that brought a lot of energy each day and just never seemed satisfied with where we were. The seniors did a great job setting the tone each day with their intensity, but also their ability to keep things loose and free.”
Sterling was just 5-3 on January 17th, before they won 15 of its last 16 games, including Hutchinson Trinity and Ellinwood in its substate.
“I knew this summer during our league in McPherson that we had the potential to do some great things,” Schneider said. “I saw how hard our guys played and how well everyone got along and knew that we had a chance for some really great things.”
Schneider said having to tell his team their season was over due to the cancellation of the state tournament amid concerns of COVID-19 was difficult but he tried to convey the message that what was happening was greater than basketball.
“That doesn’t take the sting out of it, but at least I hope they could see that it was a truly serious situation that forced us into an early ending,” Schneider said. “I was proud of what we were able to accomplish and proud of our guys all year. It was a great experience, and even just playing one game, one they will never forget.”
