The purple gym was louder than usual as the DGN boys basketball team faced longtime rivals DGS in a face off, and from the opening tip, it was clear this would be a game to remember. Before the game began, junior Briley Steffes performed the national anthem, a moment that brought the crowd to its feet ahead of the rivalry contest, setting the tone for the evening.
The game started off with the tipoff going to DGN, giving them early control of the pace. DGN wasted no time getting on the score board, as junior Colin Doyle scored the first points of the game. Doyle continued his strong start by putting up two points before the opposing team could respond. DGS answered back when senior Adam Flowers scored DGS’ first set of points. Despite the response, DGN maintained the lead throughout the opening quarter, thanks to scoring contributions from multiple players. Along with Doyle, junior Jacob Vroman and senior Jack Romsey each added points, showing DGN’s offensive effort. By the end of the first quarter, DGN held an 11-8 lead heading into the second quarter.
The game continued into the second quarter with DGS striking first, as Flowers opened the scoring with the first basket of the quarter. Both teams showed more offensive momentum during the quarter, with more players getting involved on the scoreboard. For DGN, Doyle and Vroman continued to contribute baskets to the score, helping maintain the lead. The team also saw junior Owen O’Reilly and sophomore Connor Crowley, who each added on points for DGN. With multiple players contributing and playing a steady defense holding off DGS, DGN remained in control as the teams headed into halftime, holding a 21-15 lead.
While waiting for the game to resume after halftime, fans were treated to a performance by the Athenas dance team, who held their annual Jr. Athenas camp showcase. The event featured young dancers ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, giving them the opportunity to share their dance moves in front of a crowd. Parents and spectators enjoyed watching the kids perform while dressed in festive pajamas, dancing along to a variety of classic holiday songs. This year’s camp followed the theme “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which added a twist to the performance. To close out the dance, all of the dancers came together for one final routine to the song “Soda Pop” from the show. In addition to the routine, raffles were held, offering a variety of gift baskets.
After the halftime show, the game resumed with DGN still holding the lead as the teams returned to the court. DGS once again struck first to open the half, with Flowers scoring the first basket of the third quarter. DGN quickly answered back when Crowley scored the teams first points of the second half, helping keep the strength on their side. DGN continued to play with confidence throughout the quarter, continuing to keep the ball and get scores from Crowley, Romsey and Vroman all scoring points throughout the quarter. As the quarter appeared to be winding down, excitement peaked in the final second when Vroman launched a shot from the three-point line. The ball dropped through the net as the buzzer sounded sending the crowd into a frenzy. Thanks to the team effort and last-second shot, DGN headed into the final quarter with a commanding ten-point lead, 37-27.
As the final quarter began, tensions were high on both sides of the court as the rivalry matchup reached its most tense point. The game tightened when DGS cut the gap to just two points, putting pressure on DGN and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, the close score did not dampen DGN’s confidence, as they responded with a strong comeback to regain control of the game. Key points from Vroman, Doyle, and Crowley helped DGN increase the gap and push their lead back into a comfortable range. DGS continued to fight until the end, with Flowers scoring the teams final points of the night. DGN closed out the game at the free-throw line, as O’Reilly added the team’s last point with a made free throw. When the final buzzer sounded, DGN secured a 48-41 victory. Vroman led all the scorers with 17 points, highlighting his standout performance throughout the game. The overall mood on the DGN side was celebratory and proud, making the win a great way to prove which side of the rivalry came out on top.
