Editor, Times-Union:
As the 2024-25 basketball season has wound down to its conclusion, I would like to share my observations on a phenomenal season for the program.
The team won the Northern Lakes Conference Championship with a 7-0 conference record, undefeated. In post season play, they won a very hard fought second consecutive, back-to-back Sectional Championship.
Proceeding to Regional play. Sadly, the Tigers suffered a heartbreaking double overtime loss in the Championship game to end their record setting season. The Regional double overtime loss was by effectively one or two points.
The Sectional Championship game, won in overtime, was without a doubt, a Hoosier Classic. It was of the most well executed and intense games I, or you, could ever witness in high school basketball.
One week later, the Regional championship game may have exceeded the Sectional game. The Regional was a very physical and rough game as you could imagine. The pace of the game was at a blazing speed, every minute of a forty minute game, including the marathon two overtimes. The defense of each team was intense and ferociously physical. The game, like the preceeding Sectional game, was a shame that one team had to lose. The teams in both games were so evenly match that either team could have won. The final outcomes could have resulted from the luck of one bonce of the ball, one way or the other. Another back-to-back Hoosier Classic.
The Tigers phenomenal season ended with a final record of 26 and 5, a WHS record for most wins in a season. Plus, the NLC Championship and back-to-back Sectional Championships. Four players were honored being selected to the All Conference team, Luke Bricker, Brandt Martin and Robbie Finlinson to the first team, and Carson Gould as honorable mention. Coach Matt Moore was named All Conference Coach of the Year. Quite a collection of records and honors, well deserved.
I have followed these boys and this team for three seasons and watched every game. I have watched them grow, mature, get better with each game and evolve from boys to young me and gentlemen. Besides the win, championships, records and accolades, are the individuals and group characteristics that have emerged and blossomed. These Tigers, young men, individually and as a team have the strongest and dedicated work ethics; the desire and commitment to excellence; the hustle and absolute grit. The comradery, the “got your back,” selflessness and chemistry in this team is magic.
Most importantly, they have the highest level of character and integrity. They are as tough, driven and competitive as you would ever see, yet they show empathy and sportsmanship. These young men don’t know the words “give up” or “quit.” They play their guts out every minute of every game and leave nothing “on the floor.” They are great models for future WHS athletics and teams. They will carry these characteristics, experiences and memories the rest of their lives and will be very successful.
Lastly are kudos and thanks to NLC Coach of the Year Matt Moore and his entire staff for your teaching, mentioning and development of such successful young men. To the 2024-25 Warsaw Tigers team, congratulations on your achievements and the memories. You may have lost a couple of games on the scoreboard, but in my books, you are unequalled and undefeated in spirit and character. Be very, very proud.
Tom Finlinson
Warsaw