There is a reason why Senior Night is one of the most meaningful traditions in high school sports. Years of dedication, practices, and hard-fought battles on the court accumulate into a legacy of commitment. On Feb. 21, Centennial High School continued this treasured tradition as the boys’ varsity basketball team clashed in their final regular-season home game against Reservoir High School.
While the ceremony marked an end, it also highlighted a unique era for the Eagles. This year’s roster is anchored by a class of seven seniors: Evan Ruiz, Khan Bayasgalan, Keyaan Haider, Kyle Fant, Mason Gardner, as well as captains Obi Agbim and Ryan Doody—a veteran group that has navigated through a tough season defined by grit and tenacity.
At the heart of this senior class is Ryan Doody, whose basketball journey at Centennial started in his freshman year on the junior varsity team before getting moved up to varsity later in the season.
“First, when you talk about the seniors, you talk about Ryan. His work ethic and how hard he plays,” Eagles Head Coach Rob Slopek said. “He gives 100% in everything he does, whether it’s practice, a game, or just working on his own. It’s a quiet group of seniors, but they really care, and Ryan helps set the tone.”
That sentiment was shared by his teammates. For the players, the bond extends far beyond the gym, with friendships rooted in years of shared history.
“When we play free, we have a great natural chemistry because we’ve been playing with each other forever.” Haider noted. “Even though this is my first year playing [varsity], the guys welcomed me in right away… it’s a tight group that genuinely supports each other.”
Despite their camaraderie, Centennial hasn’t exactly had a fairytale season on paper. The Eagles hold a 2-17 record going into the playoffs, which began on Feb 27. In a sport where games are often decided by a few possessions, Centennial has lived on the razor’s edge, with a staggering eleven games falling within a 6-point margin.
Coach Slopek affirmed that the challenge has not been a lack of talent or effort, but rather the mental hurdle of overcoming close games.
“The difference is simple. We’re playing afraid to lose,” Slopek admitted. “When you’re in those close games, you start scoreboard watching. You don’t want to be the one to make the mistake.”
Saturday’s matchup also resulted in a heartbreaking 48-37 loss, marking the closing chapter of the season for the seven seniors who helped shape Centennial basketball’s culture. Though the season’s record tells one story, the seniors’ impact on the program tells another. They faced adversity, battled through close losses, and remained committed to one another when it would have been much easier to fold in such a tough season.
Adjusting to a loss of almost half of your roster is never an easy change. “We’re going to have some big shoes to fill as far as the commitment and the work ethic.” Slopek said. But Centennial’s talented sophomore and junior class are ready to step into larger roles. The standard set by the seniors of effort, unity, and pride will carry forward long after they have walked off the court for the last time.
“[The underclassmen] are just as driven as they are,” Slopek said. “I think we’re gonna be just fine.”
