Second state championship didn't come as easy as the first

I am so proud of our team. We worked extremely hard to accomplish all that we did. With team support we battled through adversity and came out on top.

Last year everything was new and exciting. The year seemed to fly by with no problems: Naperville Central tournament champions, Dundee-Crown tournament champions, state champions, 35-0 season, and a top 10 national ranking in 2002-03.

This season was not at all the same. We struggled to overcome doubts, perfect team chemistry, and last season caused enormous expectations. It was a challenge, with many more bumps in the road and obstacles in our way.

Somehow, we rose to the occasion and found ourselves traveling the familiar route downstate. I felt excited and just happy to be making the trip last season. But this time around, I felt a sense of urgency, like: now or never.

We had been in this position before. All the festivities, other teams, coaches, people, media, etc., were all nice. But our main focus was to win. We arrived downstate; I realized the end of my high school career was rapidly approaching.

In the quarterfinal game vs. Peoria Richwoods, I could not have been more proud of our team. Definitely, it was not our best outing. However, we found a way to win, and that's what good teams do. The entire team contributed to the victory.

I fully gripped how great our team was after the game. All five starters, with heads hung, marched into the postgame interview as if we had lost. Naperville Central had arrived, we expected greatness at all times. We were no longer content with just winning.

We continued on Saturday to capture back-2-back state championships! We finished the season 33-2. I will always remember my final moments in high school basketball. I stood back to back with the people who have had my back since Day One. My emotions got the best of me in the closing minutes of my last game. The Daily Herald captured this moment in a picture, which will allow me to relive this memory over and over (ha ha)!

This past weekend was filled with highs and lows. I want to publicly apologize for my actions when an injured Marian Catholic player was still on the court.

In no way was I applauding her injury because I for one know those can be very serious. Instead, I was attempting to pump up Naperville Central to gain back the momentum. I refuse to make excuses because I did not think before acting. It was a spur of the moment, game-energy move, and if I had it to do all over again, I would not. My actions were not a reflection of Naperville Central or what we are about. I realized this and expressed my apologies toward coach Shannon Reidy directly following the conclusion of the game.

Throughout my years as a Redhawk, I have learned many valuable lessons. One crucial lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life is success is shared. I want to thank all of those who made the trip down to Illinois State University in support of our team. You guys are just as much state champions as we are. To my team, you guys are the best!

Lastly, to my Mom, Dad, Marcus and Uncle Mike, I tried to summarize my feelings for you after the game with a hug, but that's not enough. I love you!