as long as I can remember. We’ve grown up together and been playing basketball ever since we were little,” he says. “We’ve all remained best friends, and I don’t know what I would do without them.”  gether since elementary school.” Ryder agrees, noting how they’ve “done pretty much everything together since preschool, including sports and classes.” This bond  season together as seniors.


That bond is one of the team’s greatest strengths, providing an unspoken understanding on the court. Their chemistry, built over a lifetime, will be a key factor in their pursuit of success this season. While the four seniors consider each other family on the court,


  for its strong family values and close-knit nature, has provided the foundation these athletes needed to thrive.  most of last season due to injury, speaks of how his family supported  he says. “My family’s been with me every step of the way.” For Drew, his family and teammates have shaped his competitive spirit. “I always put a lot of pressure on myself to do good in any-


thing that I do,” Drew says, a drive instilled by those closest to him. If there’s one thing that all four seniors agree on, it’s the incred-


 home is one of the best feelings in the world,” says Drew. “The gym    are some of the best fans in the state of Missouri. They are very supportive and travel well with us.”


“We’re trying to go get something that has never been done — a state


championship.” 


 the fans are loud.” That energy translates to performance, giving  gym for big games, and it brings us so much more energy,” says Ry- der. The seniors have thrived in that atmosphere, and they’re eager 


Show-Me Sports /// 49


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