If there's one thing that the players on White Pines' senior boys basketball team have learned this season, it's that a strong bond can take a team a long way.
"I feel like we really had everyone on board this year, with a similar mindset and goal in hand. We had a comradery that I have never felt on a team before, we had each other's backs throughout the whole season," said fifth-year all star Bishop Whitmell, who has been a key leader on the Wolverines this season.
Playing at home last weekend, the Wolverines picked up a 69-38 win over Sudbury's College Notre-Dame in order to take home the Senior Boys NOSSA A title.
Led by their big three of Chase Peplow, Bishop Whitmell, and Logan Whitmell, next up for the Wolverines is the OFSAA A tournament in North Bay.
"Heading into OFSAA we have to play big and be in control every second we're down there. We don't know much about our competitors but we do know that nobody can stop Logan or Chase," Bishop added.
The Wolverines success this season was built on height, power, determination, and a smart game.
"Some of these boys have been playing together for three-years now in between club ball and high school ball. These boys are a team on and off the court, and they play every game like they are going to win," said coach Hugh Higham, who is in his fifth season at White Pines.
"Bishop is our engine, although there is great communication created by both players and coaches," Higham added, noting the noticeable verbal and physical communication that the players express so well on the court.
On the court, Peplow, a 6-foot-5 centre, has forced opponents to take notice of his game.
"I've been playing ball since I was eight years old and playing with the under seventeen players for my band since I was 12," Peplow said when asked about his experience and staying consistent. "Staying focused is second nature for me."
Brett Pearce, a 6-foot-1 guard, has shown an ability to be consistent from three-point range.
"On the court, I try to be the player and teammate I can be in order to help my team win games," said Pearce.
"I try to be the best student I can be in order to apply the skills and lessons I learn in school to the court," he added
With one week left until they hit the road for OFSAA, the intensity level for the Wolverines is at its highest.
"We are grateful for getting this far, and we are just hoping we get ranked appropriately in the standings," said Higham.
The Wolverines head down to North Bay on March 9, looking for its first senior boys basketball OFSAA Championship.