As the SHS boys basketball season continues into February, two seniors have brought leadership through minimal time on the court, which has drawn the attention of coaches, teammates and fans.

Senior Mathew Moreno has been on the basketball team since eighth grade and has been a part of three coaching switches since his freshman year. 

After two seasons on the JV squad, he got a taste of varsity action last season

“It was really fun,” Moreno said. “After wins, we have a tradition that somebody, whoever does best, grabs a marker and draws a ‘W’ on the board.” 

Though Moreno isn’t always in the starting lineup, when he does get his opportunity, he doesn’t take it lightly. Moreno stays cool, calm and collected while also communicating with his teammates on certain plays and defenses.

Through his work, Moreno aims to bring mentorship and motivation to the underclassmen. 

Head coach Ben Rhoades sees Moreno’s drive and willingness to do whatever he needs to do for his teammates.

“He’s given 100% effort, which I think is a good example for our younger players,” Rhoades said. “He’s always willing to sacrifice his own things for the good of the team, and just the support he shows his teammates when things are going good or bad has been huge.”

The leadership on the team is also seen through senior Robert Ludlow.

He played basketball in middle school but didn’t continue playing in high school until this season.

A motivating factor for him playing again was what he saw of the program from the outside looking in.

“You know, it was not really a tough decision,” Ludlow said. “I got talked to by the coaches and it sounded like a really good program, and I just wanted to give it one last try.”

Though he’s been out of the game for some time, he has fit in well with his new teammates and helped push them to their limits.

Both have a brought passion and drive that has flowed down through the ranks

“They tell us to talk a lot and just be loud and have energy,” sophomore Cordell Graham said.

Ludlow hopes that the underclassmen realize that they can accomplish anything.

“I would just tell them that hard work pays off and never give up and it’ll pay off,” Ludlow said.

 The motivation Moreno and Ludlow bring has really stood out to Rhoades, even if they’re not in the game.

“If their teammates are having a tough time, I’ve heard them say, ‘Hey it’s okay, play the next play,’” Rhoades said. “I mean those are all just things (they do) and leadership qualities they have as seniors that are valuable to this group.”

It’s not just the coaches, but also the fans who have seen those qualities come through Moreno and Ludlow.

SHS “superfan” Charlie Herwehe has seen their leadership while in the stands, believing that they are very supportive but also lead in the right way.

“They’re always upbeat, always positive, always doing what they are asked to do and doing it with a great attitude,” Herwehe said.

Even with it being their first time playing together, they’ve been able to show each other how to become better leaders themselves.

“Overall, I just like how he is on the bench,“ Ludlow said. “Whenever we’re sitting there together, he’s always into the game and locked into the game, and that helps me.”