#1StudentNWI: An Inside Look at La Lumiere Laker Pride at Madison Square Garden

#1StudentNWI: An Inside Look at La Lumiere Laker Pride at Madison Square Garden

“There are a number of memorable moments in La Lumiere’s history; the first day of classes held in the fall of 1964, the first graduating class in the spring of 1968, 1978 when girls joined our student body, 2013 marking the school’s 50th anniversary, and March 31st, April 1st, and April 2nd when La Lumiere’s Basketball Team competed on a national level at DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament in New York City.”

Mr. David Kirkby, one of La Lumiere’s first teachers, coaches and a lifelong Laker, spoke at the school wide assembly recognizing the 12 basketball players, three assistant coaches, and Head Coach Shane Hierman for their job well done this past weekend at the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament.

The three days mentioned were some of the most spirit-filled and overflowing ever encountered. The student body, faculty, friends, alumni, and community were packed around TV screens (game watches were hosted each day on campus, and met with deafening cheers and prayers) in support and celebration of the La Lumiere Basketball yeam as they competed against St. Benedict’s Prep, Montverde Academy, and Oak Hill Academy.

April 1st was also the 25th Taste of La Lumiere. The international food festival held to celebrate the many cultures represented within our community was buzzing with love, awe and conversation as just hours before our basketball team won against the number one high school team in the country, Montverde Academy of Florida. This advanced the Lakers to the Championship game held at Madison Square Garden the following day.

At least 20 La Lumiere students darted to New York to support the team, leaving The Taste and making the 11-hour drive from LaPorte in support of their classmates. The spirit and pride the La Lumiere community showed in support of the basketball team is incomparable. There is a lasting pride in the Lakers that can be described as numbing, deafening, and life changing.

In addressing the school after the team's return, Head Coach Shane Hierman stated, “We were not the underdogs.” While this was the best performance La Lumiere has had at the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament, their victories were well deserved. After hours of training, early morning workouts, shortened breaks, traveling, and competing their performance was not based on luck, rather hard work and dedication.

The national recognition was well deserved and well received by the basketball team who held themselves with grace and beautifully represented the Character, Scholarship, and Faith La Lumiere is built upon. Mrs. Leake highlighted the fact that these boys are not only amazing athletes, but also they are amazing scholars. Dedicated and committed to their education and their love for the game it is amazing what these young men accomplish daily.

The tournament wrote about our players:

“For basketball purists, the Lakers (25-3) are a revelation. They are hard-nosed players who bought into the team-first concept. Don’t be surprised when they dive on the floor for loose balls and chalk up the intangibles. James Banks (#72 in the ESPN 100) is a Texas recruit and Brandon Cyrus (DePaul committed) are the senior leaders. At 6-11, Banks (6.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg) is a true defender in the post who keeps the ball alive near the rim, rebounds with a vengeance and is a shot blocker extraordinaire. Cyrus (11.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg) has a triple-threat game for a shooting guard and is solid defender. Freshman point guard Tyger Campbell (7.7 ppg, 6.7 apg) makes the team go and facilitates the offense.

In the post, 6-11 junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon (#28 in the ESPN 60) is a rare physical big man with polished footwork (13.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg). Junior Brian Bowen (#26 in the ESPN 60) is a skilled 6-8 wing with a shooter’s touch (20.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg). Six-foot junior Isaiah Coleman-Lands (10.1 ppg) has embraced the sixth man role, providing instant offense and has made a team-high 47 3-pointers.” Freshman Kevin Zhang is a 6-8 forward and also joined the 7-man rotation for the Lakers."

Playing at Madison Square Garden against Oak Hill from Virginia, the Lakers faced tough competition. Oak Hill had competed in the Championship game multiple times before. With composure, pride, and amazing speed the Lakers faced Oak Hill’s guys who were bigger, quick shooters, and equally as fast in a match-up that was made for a movie. La Lumiere was dealt an early blow when forward Jeremiah Tilmon went down with a dislocated shoulder in the first 90 seconds of the game.

At one point trailing by 17 points, the Laker’s pride was fueled in the second have when the baskets started falling more easily. Junior Brian Bowen has 20 points and nine rebounds, aided by Isiah Coleman-Lands who added 13 points and nine rebounds. Their impeccable performance led to the game tied in 60-60 in overtime. Oak Hill’s buzzer tip in ended the matchup. While the game ended there, The Laker’s pride was not penetrated.

Returning home to cheers, congratulations, and posters lining the dining hall, it was an unprecedented victory for La Lumiere. Mr. Kirkby highlighted the tradition and legacy La Lumiere’s Basketball team created over the weekend and how it won’t be forgotten.