Gallery: Boys Varsity Basketball Defeats SM South 51-46

By Kenna Harrington, MJ Wolf, Mason Sajna, Will Griffith, and Alex Sajna

February 28, 2023

The boys varsity basketball team finished their regular season with a 5-point win against rival SM South. The Lancers held their lead for the majority of the game, ending the first half with a score of 22-16. Beginning the fourth quarter, the Lancers were up 39-28, with both teams scoring a few more points and the Lancers maintaining their lead. The top scorer was senior Dillon Mong, who scored 14 points. The team ended their regular season with an overall 9-11 record.

With senior night before the game, nine boys basketball seniors were celebrated for their dedication to the basketball program. These seniors included: Will Alexander, Spencer Blacketer, Hudson Henzlik, George Kopp, CJ Leonard, Dillon Mong, Ben Slicker, Hassan Sufi and team manager Afa Akwanka’a.

The boys varsity basketball team will play in the first round of the playoffs Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at SM Northwest for Sub-State.

Check out this gallery on Harbie Photo to purchase photos from this event by clicking the link below:

2.24.23 Boys Varsity Basketball vs SM South

Senior Reese Birch and junior Ashley Zastrow cheer with the student section. Photo by Alex Sajna
Senior Spencer Blacketer jumps to shoot from the 3pt line while the players on the bench watch. Photo by Alex Sajna
Senior Hassan Sufi defends a Shawnee Mission South player. Photo by Alex Sajna
The student section falls after senior George Kopp pretended to plant a flag after being introduced at the beginning of the game. Photo by Mason Sajna
Junior Teddy Sailor goes up for a contested layup from two SM South players in the second quarter. Photo by Will Griffith
Junior Teddy Saylor drives the ball to the basket. Photo by Mj Wolf
Senior George Kopp Drives into the lane getting the lancers two free throws after being fowled in the second quarter. Photo by Will Griffith
Drum major senior Sam Fritz conducts the band. Photo by Alex Sajna
After receiving a pass from senior CJ Leonard, senior Dillon Mong dribbles to make a basket as he is trailed by multiple opponents during the start of the game. Photo by Mason Sajna
Senior Spencer Blacketer stops inside of the three-point arc to pass to senior Hassan Sufi for a three point shot. Photo by Will Griffith
Sophomore Macy Garwood and senior Sophia Snyder celebrate after senior Dillon Mong scored. Photo by Alex Sajna
Junior Abdoulaye Kante encourages senior George Kopp after making his first free throw. Photo by Mj Wolf
Senior Dillon Mong looks to pass the ball overhead while being defended. Photo by Kenna Harrington
Senior George Kopp avoids SM South guard and drives the ball to the court. Photo by Mj Wolf
Senior Audrey Condon chants among other students in the second half of the game. Photo by Kenna Harrington
Senior George Kopp loses his grip on the ball as an opponent swipes it out of his hand during the third quarter of the game. Photo by Mason Sajna
East cheerleaders chant towards the student section during a timeout in the second half. Photo by Kenna Harrington
Senior Spencer Blacketer runs to make a pass to senior Dillon Mong with an opponent behind him during the fourth quarter of the game. After receiving the pass, Mong made a dunk. Photo by Mason Sajna
Senior Avery Guck preforms the Lancer Dancer Hip Hop routine during halftime alongside other varsity dancers. Photo by Kenna Harrington
Junior Abdoulaye Kante defends an opposing player underneath the basket in the second quarter of the game. Photo by Kenna Harrington
Sophomore Lucy Pace, senior Greta Dickerson, and sophomore Emma Aubuchon storm the court after the final whistle is blown and East wins the game. The theme was “Pink Out”, so they used pink pom-poms and pink bows. Photo by Mason Sajna

About the Contributors

Kenna Harrington, Photo Editor

After only a semester on staff, senior Kenna Harrington is ready to step into the role of Head Photographer. Along with the other Head Photographers, Kenna is thrilled to see what herself and the staff have in store for them this year! If not scrolling through Adobe Bridge or editing photos, you can find Kenna playing varsity soccer or binging a new show.

MJ Wolf, Staff Photographer

Senior Mj Wolf is so excited to start her sixth semester on staff as a photographer. In addition to Harbinger, Mj is one of the SHARE chairs on the Breast Cancer Awareness Bake Sale and Unleashed projects. When she isn’t shooting galleries, you’ll find her watching movies with friends, cooking with family or trying a new coffee shop. Mj can’t wait to see what this year brings and is pumped to capture her senior year.

Mason Sajna, Video Editor

As a fourth year harbinger staffer, senior Mason Sajna is excited to be a leader on staff this year as a Video Editor, Photo Mentor and Equipment Manager. When he isn’t in the J room editing a video or trying to find some tripod piece, Mason is running as a varsity track and cross country runner and is in five AP classes. When things finally slow down, Mason likes to spend his free time with his friends or just hang out at home.

Will Griffith, Online Photo Editor

Entering his sixth semester on staff, senior Will Griffith is excited to take on the role of Head Online Photo Editor. When he’s not making saves as a goalkeeper on the soccer field, he’s behind the camera shooting sports and other stories for The Harbinger. You can also find him up late editing photos and posting galleries or relaxing with friends while playing video games and soccer.

Alex Sajna, Video Editor

Working on his third year on Harbinger staff, senior Alex Sajna is thrilled to lead the video team as a Video Editor and take pictures as a Photographer. Besides Harbinger, Alex runs cross country and track, takes AP classes and works part time. When he’s not in the J-room, you can find Alex working on his car, making up a cross country practice late at night, or hanging out with family and friends.