Pirate Pride and New Beginnings: GHS Basketball Season ‘22

The boys basketball season started at the end of November and sadly came to an end February 23. Galena boys had a solid season with their ending record being 20-12. Boys ended their season playing rivals East Dubuque on Wednesday February 23rd. Despite their loss, the boys had a competitive and exciting season throughout the many wins that they conquered.

Additionally the GHS basketball team had to say goodbye to five senior athletes. Seniors including Payton LuGrain, Ethan Hefel, Andrew Gansen, Kaleb Brashaw and Zach Garza. Sadly Payton LuGrain had to get shoulder surgery due to a previous football injury therefore his season ended short. LuGrain has a 6 month recovery ahead of him and is currently undergoing physical therapy.

“I was pretty bummed out that my surgery fell during basketball season. The worst part was not being able to finish out my basketball season with my teammates, especially Ethan Hefel,’’ said LuGrain ‘22.

Senior Night took place on February 16 and the boys competed against River Ridge High School. The game started with introductions of our fellow seniors followed by a great game. The final score of the game was 71-63.
“My senior season came with many wins and good memories with my teammates. It was a fun experience being able to play one last year and creating friendships with everyone on the team, said Brashaw ‘22.

Senior Ethan Hefel joined the exclusive 1,000 point club that only eight pirates in history have achieved. Hefel was 14 points away from 1,000 when he entered the Eastland Holiday tournament on Monday, December 17. The gym was filled with family and friends rooting Hefel to his victory.

“It was a good feeling to receive this honor knowing it hasn’t been accomplished for a long time in boys basketball. This was an incredible achievement and I couldn’t be more thankful for my coaches and teammates that have pushed me throughout the way,” said Hefel ‘22.

The student section has helped lead the Pirates to victory throughout this season. Themes include construction out, neon out, black out, white out, and blue out. The students continuously filled the gym with cheers and positive energy.

“I wanted to make the best of my senior year by attending as many games as possible. Creating fun themes and cheers gets the crowd and well at the athletes more involved in the game,” said Madisen Glasgow ‘22.

This season came with wins, pirate pride, new beginnings, and accomplishments. The boys have accomplished so many great things this season and are excited to see what their future brings.

Senior Night took place on February 16 and the boys competed against River Ridge High School. The game started with introductions of our fellow seniors followed by a great game. The final score of the game was 71-63.
“My senior season came with many wins and good memories with my teammates. It was a fun experience being able to play one last year and creating friendships with everyone on the team, said Brashaw ‘22.

Senior Ethan Hefel joined the exclusive 1,000 point club that only eight pirates in history have achieved. Hefel was 14 points away from 1,000 when he entered the Eastland Holiday tournament on Monday, December 17. The gym was filled with family and friends rooting Hefel to his victory.

“It was a good feeling to receive this honor knowing it hasn’t been accomplished for a long time in boys basketball. This was an incredible achievement and I couldn’t be more thankful for my coaches and teammates that have pushed me throughout the way,” said Hefel ‘22.

The student section has helped lead the Pirates to victory throughout this season. Themes include construction out, neon out, black out, white out, and blue out. The students continuously filled the gym with cheers and positive energy.

“I wanted to make the best of my senior year by attending as many games as possible. Creating fun themes and cheers gets the crowd and well at the athletes more involved in the game,” said Madisen Glasgow ‘22.

This season came with wins, pirate pride, new beginnings, and accomplishments. The boys have accomplished so many great things this season and are excited to see what their future brings.