What’s Happening At La Lumiere:
La Lumiere’s basketball season has been off to ravishing start since the season opened with Marsh Madness; the infamous pep rally showing off the best dunks, 3-point shooters, and players to look out for during the school’s nonstop November to March basketball season. Putting $100 on the line for the most spirited fan at Marsh Madness, the school spirit has been thriving as all four La Lumiere basketball teams take on competitors locally and countrywide.
While celebrating their Thanksgiving Holiday and the newly announced #2 ranking in the country, La Lumiere’s Varsity White Team spent their holiday weekend in Washington, Illinois at the Coventry Health Tournament of Champions. Competing against St Louis Christian Academy, Spain Park, and The Arlington Country Day School - the La Lumiere Lakers won all three tournament games. Junior Brian Bowen was announced MVP of the tournament and greatly aided his team in continuing their 8-0 season.
The Lakers entered the Tournament of Champions as #5 in the country, but after winning all tournament games, the Lakers left Washington holding the #2 ranking for high school basketball teams in the country. Their 74-45 victory against St. Louis Christian was followed by a 61-51 win against the notably tough Spain Park Jaguars. The Lakers ended the tournament against The Arlington Country Day School with a 79-70 victory. At the end of the tournament, four La Lumiere players were named to The National Classic All- Tournament Team. Junior and tournament MVP Brian Bowen, Junior Jeremiah Tilmon, Freshman Tyger Campbell, and Senior, DePaul committed Brandon Cyrus.
La Lumiere’s School Spirit has leaked into our surrounding community. The Academic Decathlon team is hosting the school-wide Toys for Tots Drive which has raised $183 and a couple toy donations at the recent JV and Varsity Blue games. Donations for Toys for Tots will be accepted till December 9th. Also in the spirit of giving, The Spanish Honor’s Society has adopted a family for the holidays and has been raising money to provide a local family with all they need for the holiday season.
The Lakers are celebrating more than just the basketball season; anticipating seniors have started signing the college acceptance plaques that decorate the hallway of the academic building. College signings, which continue on rotation into the New Year, has already begun, and a sigh of relief and relaxation has come across the graduating class.
Student Spotlight:
I asked Junior and Varsity player Isaiah Coleman-Lands: What it means for him to go on the court wearing a La Lumiere jersey (he has been doing so since his freshman year) and what that comes with- his response:
“Going on the court wearing a La Lumiere jersey is really a special feeling, knowing the history behind the school. You feel like you’re not only playing for the team, but for the tradition and the community. Because we are such an elite program we know that we are going to get every team’s best shot and if they beat us, that’s like their Super Bowl.”
Teacher Spotlight:
Head Coach Shane Hierman, who has been in the position since 2014 after committing two years as Associate Head Coach for the La Lumiere Team also, holds the Communications Associate position for the school. Coach Heirman, a former University of Tulsa player has crafted the powerhouse team into a diverse, hardworking, and talented group of student-athletes and young men. Coach Heirman and fellow colleagues have molded the La Lumiere Boys Basketball Team, who six years ago was unheard of nationally, now the Laker’s powerhouse could compete with anybody. Coach Heirman’s rigorous worth ethic and endless reinforcement and pride in his team has shaped these boys into amazing student-athletes, humbled young men, and La Lumiere students with bright futures, and the Laker Nation at their backs for support.
Upcoming News:
The Laker’s school spirit was at an uprising as everyone was hyped for the La Lumiere Lakers much-debated faceoff against Michigan City High School on December 9th. The Lakers showed off all their Laker Pride as the teams rival and what quickly became a sold-out 7:30 game. Also joining in the opening week, La Lumiere’s Choir, and Jazz Ensemble was accompanied by the French students and performed the school’s annual Christmas Concert of Monday, December 7th. It was the debut of two first time soloists' performance along with the choir and French students who prepared a tribute to France in singing songs of resilience and strength from Les Misérables.
The Improv Club had a performance December 18th at The Elks Lodge in Michigan City at 7 pm. This was the first of many shows they are having this year in preparation of their annual Night for Niños’ Comedy Night in the spring. The month of December comes with preparation for finals and excitement for the coming break. The Laker’s school spirit has molded into the holiday spirit, the campus has sprouted Christmas trees, lights, ugly sweaters, and even some snow in celebration.