Featured Athletes /// Eugene Boys Basketball
Eugene boys’ basketball are back-to-back State Champions
and this time, there wasn’t much suspense left. Eugene had control, and everyone in the building could feel it. When the buzzer sounded, ent than it had the year before. There was still excitement. Still joy. But this time, there was something deeper, something earned. For this group of seniors, the second straight state championship wasn’t about surprising people. It was about proving who they were. “Last year was all excitement and shock,” senior Chase Richard said. “This year was more about pride and proving A year ago, Eugene came out of nowhere and made history. This season, they came in with expectations, a target on their back, and every opponent ready to take their shot. But instead of feeling that pressure, this senior group leaned into it. “We knew we had the to play as a team, and we did. It felt pretty good to prove everyone years of playing together.
Story By: Kaydi Alderman Photography By: MSHSAA, Jason Allabaugh
That chemistry showed up in the biggest moments, but it also showed up in the small ones, pregame routines, practices, and the everyday grind of a long season. “I’ll remember just being with my teammates before games or at school,” Busch said. “We would just
This senior class has been side by side since grade school, grow- ing up in the same gyms, learning the same system, and building a bond that goes beyond basketball. “We’ve played together since we were kids,” Richard said. “We truly play for each other.” Dawson Busch echoed that same feeling, pointing to the connection that always had fun together,” Busch said. “We’re all good friends, and
20 /// May 2026
As seniors, each of them understood that their roles had grown. It wasn’t just about what they did on the court anymore; it was about setting the tone. “As a senior, my role became more about leader- ship,” Richard said. “I tried to bring energy every day so everyone else could follow.” Busch felt that responsibility as well. “Knowing I’m one of the main leaders, I had to make sure my role was solid so
became one of the team’s key contributors. “My role changed a lot,” I had to protect the paint. But what made it easy is that these guys are my best friends.”
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