![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
With mere seconds left on the clock, the standing crowd held its collective breath as the two teams fought for control of the ball and the game itself.
A Harker pass, a Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) interception, and a turnover later, the buzzer sounded and a moan rippled through the crowd as the final score blazed from the board: Harker 51, SHP 52.
The Varsity boys’ second confrontation with rival SHP resulted in a loss this Tuesday in their senior night game. Honored that night were senior players JP Doherty, Drew Goldstein, Jacob Hoffman, Nikhil Panu, Spenser Quash, and managers Matthew Giammona and Apricot Tang.
Each senior and his accompanying family were presented with flowers, candy leis, and personalized balloons, while coach Butch Keller recognized each player’s strengths and achievements.
“I felt that the ceremony was a good way of honoring the seniors and what they have contributed to the basketball program,” Will Deng (11) said, echoing other team members’ sentiments regarding the senior night celebrations.
Tipoff began at 6:20 p.m. following the conclusion of the ceremony. The game began with a rough start for the Eagles with 18 unanswered points from SHP in the first few minutes. After the first quarter, the momentum began to shift and the Eagles began to narrow the lead, bringing the score to a single-digit difference by halftime.
During the last two quarters, the lead oscillated between the two teams, bringing the crowd to feet in waves of excitement and tension. Each basket scored elicited either cheers or groans from the student fanbase as the clock wore down.
Tuesday’s game marked the second close game versus SHP this season following the Eagles’ 54-56 loss to the Gators earlier this year. Despite its loss, the team looks forward to its game against Eastside College Preparatory this Friday and the upcoming Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs.
