The season opener is always one of the most anticipated nights of the year for the One School basketball program, and this year was no different. Both varsity teams were set to take on Temple Christian Academy on Tuesday, December 9th, a school known for bringing intensity, talent, and a competitive edge every time they step on the court. With so much history and energy behind this matchup, the gym was filled with excitement from the opening warmups to the final buzzer. “Going into the game, I felt prepared not just physically but also mentally. We were connected as a team,” said Ethan Prendergast,11th grade.
The varsity girls took the court first, facing a Temple squad widely considered the strongest team in the league year after year. But none of that intimidated our girls. With new players, a new system, and a new hunger to make a run toward states, this game marked the beginning of their journey,and they were ready for the challenge.
From the tipoff, both teams came out aggressive, looking to take early momentum. The first quarter ended in a tie, showcasing the determination and grit on both sides. The second quarter picked up exactly where the first left off, with each team trading baskets and refusing to back down. Every possession felt like a battle, and the Lions proved they were there to compete, not just participate.
Coming out of halftime, the game remained tight, but the Lions found a rhythm and managed to take a small lead heading into the fourth quarter. The crowd grew louder as the intensity increased, knowing the final minutes would decide everything. Temple, however, mounted a late comeback and took a two-point lead with just two minutes left. Coach Loggins quickly called a timeout, gathering the team and reminding them that all they needed was one defensive stop, one smart possession, and one good shot to tie the game and regain momentum. She encouraged them to settle in, trust each other, and play their game.
The Lions returned to the court determined to execute. They moved the ball, searching for the high-quality shot Coach emphasized, but an unfortunate turnover gave Temple an easy scoring opportunity, extending the lead to four with about 1:30 remaining. Still composed, the Lions came down the court looking for a quick bucket. They got a clean look but narrowly missed, and Temple capitalized by bleeding out the remaining time to secure a 44-40 victory. “I think we did really good because we played last season’s top team and were only four points from them. I even made my first basket during a game,” said Gianna Dottore, 12th grade.
Even in defeat, there was no shame, only pride and motivation. For years, Temple has been the powerhouse of the league, and the Lions had just gone toe-to-toe with them for four full quarters. There were no hanging heads as the team walked off the court. Instead, there was confidence, growth, and a stronger sense of belief in what they are capable of this season. “They did really good. McKenna was powering down the court making shots, but did end up hurt from someone slamming an elbow into her. They looked good, and I think they have a strong chance in their next game,” Amaya Lewis, 11th grade.
The varsity boys’ game that followed carried just as much energy. The Lions started off slow, trailing Temple at the end of the first quarter, but the momentum quickly shifted. In the second quarter, One School ramped up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and creating easy scoring opportunities in transition. By halftime, the Lions had seized control of the game, and they refused to let up.
The pace and pressure continued into the second half as the Lions kept their foot on the gas. Their relentless defense and fast-break offense wore Temple down, leading to frustration and fatigue on the visiting side. As the Lions built a commanding lead, Coach made the decision to let the practice squad players get valuable in-game experience, and they did not disappoint. They closed out the matchup with confidence, sealing a dominant 63–24 win. “It was rough in the beginning but then at the end we picked up pace and blew them out,” said Jayden Keppel, 11th grade.
For both teams, this night represented more than just the start of a new season, it marked the beginning of a new standard. The Lions showed heart, discipline, depth, and the kind of determination needed to build a championship-caliber program. If this opener proved anything, it’s that One School isn’t just hoping for a big year, they’re building something real, something lasting, and something the whole community can be proud of. And as the players and coaches remind each other after every practice, every game, and every challenge ahead, the mission stays the same: “Stay inside the O.”
