By Aara M. ‘26

On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Geffen Academy Boys Varsity Basketball team played its final home game against Vistamar School. Despite a resilient effort, the Bruins fell, 68-46, after trailing by roughly 10 points for most of the game. Before tip-off, the team honored its seniors: Matthew Y., Stevan M., Lincoln B., and Connor B. with leis, signed basketballs and oversized head cutouts of each player as a baby. 

In interviews prior to the game, the seniors reflected on their time with the program and the lessons they will carry forward…

“Back when I was a freshman, I thought I was going to have a long four years, and while I did have a fulfilling four years, time goes by really fast, and I’m trying to cherish all the moments I have still left with the team and my friends in general,” Bang said. “So really make most of the time you have with your peers and your educators and your coaches.” 

Captain Stevan added, “Just have fun, enjoy the experience, and live in the present.” 

Connor agreed: “I’d say just live in the moment and take it all in. Time moves pretty quickly, so you just gotta really appreciate every moment that you’re in.” 

As they looked back on the past four years, the seniors shared memories that stood out to them. 

“At the end of my sophomore season, we all decided that we would come to practice and smile the whole time,” Stevan said with a laugh, “And we were doing that, and then Coach made us run 17s the whole time,” [17s are when players have to run across the court there and back 17 times]. 

For both Connor and Lincoln, trips to Catalina Island were among their favorite ways to deepen their ties to their teammates. 

“Those were really great memories,” Connor said, “just being an underclassman there with a lot of the people I used to look up to. Being a part of the basketball community was really important, and it was a nice experience to have.”

Beyond memories, the team instilled lessons in the seniors that they say extend far beyond the court. 

“Everything’s eighty percent mental, twenty percent physical.” Lincoln said, “That’s the kind of mindset I kind of want to live with for the rest of my life.” 

Branch emphasized the importance of teamwork: “I think the most important thing I’ve learned is just to stay disciplined, but also to be able to lift others up and support each other through the good times and the bad, just be a great teammate, and a great friend to those around you.”

“I’ve learned what it means to be a Geffen Academy Bruin,” added Stevan, “I’ve learned respect, brotherhood, and kindness. I’ve learned lots of things from this team. I’ve made lots of great friends, and I’ve had lots of fond memories from this.” 

Yoon reflected on balancing athletics and academics.  

“I learned to balance workload with extracurricular activities. Time commitments have been tough, but I’ve learned to control everything that’s been going on,” Matthew continued. “I think that you should always prioritize your work, but also, at the same time, remember to take time off to have fun and enjoy the things you’re passionate about.” 

Although their time on the court has come to an end, the memories they made and the lessons they learned will remain with them long after this final game.