Bus rides filled with high school musical sing-a-longs, locker room dance parties, and playing “spoons” at all the team dinners. With the end of district play quickly approaching for the Lady Bear basketball players, these are the things senior Sheridan Rogers said she will miss the most from playing on the Varsity basketball team.

The senior basketball players will be honored at their final home game against Hardin Jefferson on Tuesday, Feb. 9. It will be the last night for the 11 seniors to step out on their home court and play a high school basketball game.

“It’s a very bittersweet moment for me,” Rogers said. “I’ve really enjoyed the past few years I’ve spent being a Lady Bear, and it’s going to be really weird to be running out on our court for the last time.”

Head coach Linda Riddick said the seniors have stepped up to new roles this season and are planning to play an intense game against the Lady Hawks.

“These seniors are amazing,” Riddick said,  “They work very hard and are very coachable. They support each other and celebrate each one’s accomplishments and lift each other up if they need it.”

The varsity team is currently 6-5 in District and will yet again see playoff action. But even with a guaranteed spot, the Lady Bears are working hard to defeat their opponent so they will be in a better position going into the playoff rounds.

“We prepare for every opponent by working on fundamentals every day,” Riddick said. “We also watch game film from the first round and work on adjustments we need to make. Of course, we want to make the playoffs, but we will not be satisfied to ‘just make’ the playoffs.”

The senior night festivities will begin directly after the JV game, which starts at 5 p.m. Riddick said she hopes to have the gym packed to celebrate the seniors hard work and success this season.

“Everyone should come out to both games,” Riddick said. “Our JV will give you an intense game to watch and the Varsity will be playing for a higher seed in the district race.”

Rogers said she will miss her teammates, who have become her best friends, the most after she graduates.

“Basketball truly is a team sport, and I would be nothing without my teammates,” Rogers said. “We’ve had our highs and our lows just like any team does, but we’ve really grown both as a group and as individuals. When I look back on my last season as a Lady Bear, it will be with pride.”