One of the best nights of a high school career. Senior night. This time, it’s a rematch against the Omaha North Vikings.
“We’ve got seven seniors, and with them gone it will change the personality of the team,” head coach Galen Gullie said. “Through our seniors, we have a lot of personality will be different, locker rooms will be different. But with those seniors, they have embedded our expectations so hopefully the shift is smooth next season.”
The team is coming off a big win over the Gretna East Griffins, 84-67. Following this win, the Bears will look to close the season on a high note.
“I am telling the team to not be in their own heads to play our brand of basketball, to play our identity of basketball,” senior guard Abbas Bashir said. “And the way we should play the game, and how we started the season correctly by beating North through a quality win.”
Bashir is a legacy player for the team, four other family members have previously played for the school. He is the last to step foot on the court.
“It doesn’t even have to deal with the court, it’s the way he (Gullie) treats us,” said Bashir. “He cares about every single one of us. That’s why I am proud to say I am a Bryan basketball player, all because of Gullie.”
This is Gullie’s third year coaching the team, and he has flipped the program for the better. Since last season, he has seen more improvement in not just the boys but their mentality for the game.
“I feel like coach Gullie helps me as a man,” senior forward Rylan Rodriguez said. “He tells me all the time that life doesn’t really stop for no one. You just have to have mental toughness.”
This is Rodriguez’s third year on the team but first year as a team captain.
“Without losing, there’s no ambition to win,” Rodriguez said. “When there’s no drive, there’s no wins. He (Gullie) told us that losing is part of the game and to just win the games that we’re supposed to win.”
The Bears tip off tonight at 7p.m. in the Bear Cave. The results of their next game against Millard South on Feb 17. will determine their pool for districts.
