Last month, both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams suffered losses that halted their playoff runs.

The Lady Bruins lost 37-29 in the first round of playoffs to the East Union Urchins on Monday, February 22 at the St. Joe Gym. Despite their loss, they finished the season with a 16-10 record and went undefeated in district play. The girls came out on top as the 2A Region 4 district champs against the Pelahatchie Chiefs. This win proved to be a historic one as St. Joe’s girls’ basketball team had not won a district title since 1981.

Despite their loss, the girls are looking forward to an even better season next year as they are only losing one senior, Grace Goodloe. The rest of the team consists of strong lowerclassmen, including the starting lineup being all sophomores.

“This being my last year of basketball,” said Goodloe. “It was bittersweet working my butt off to win the district title with this group of girls.” For her, she has been on the team since her seventh-grade year and couldn’t imagine life without it.

“They really pushed me to become a better basketball player and leader, but overall a better person.”

For the boys, their season ended after a second-round-playoff loss to the North Side Gators on Thursday, February 25. The game was a close one with the Gators pulling out a 49-46 win at the last second. The Bruins finished the season with a 20-5 record and entered the playoffs as the #2 seed after losing to the South Delta Bulldogs in the district championship.

However, they like the girls, also have high hopes for next season as juniors Allen Teague and Sully Moorehead are ready to lead. The team will lose notable players such as Caleb Wilson, Hudson Sandifer, and Chase Taylor, being that they are all seniors.

“This team has been an integral part of my St. Joe experience,” said senior Hudson Sandifer. “I am really going to miss this team and all the life lessons I’ve learned from it.”

While basketball season came to a heartbreaking close, both teams did have numerous players to be recognized on All-District teams. For the girls: Rayne Worsham, Ainsley D’Alfonso, Chloe Taylor, Taylor Domino, Kaitlyn Jones, and Megan Davidson; for the boys: Allen Teague, Caleb Wilson, and Sully Moorehead.

“Being on this team has given me a family that I will never forget. I grew as a person on-and-off the court.”

Both teams are excited for next year as they will have a new chance at securing a state championship title as well as new opponents since St. Joe will be moving into MAIS for sports.