It may have been Marquette’s Senior Night, but the evening certainly belonged to Lafayette on Friday.
The girls started things off with a dominating 17-point win that set the stage for another big night in the area’s best rivalry.
Sophomore Jordynn Martin has made a habit of taking over games lately, but her 32-point performance against the Mustangs will be the one everyone remembers. She came up huge against Lafayette’s most hated rival, and that’s how to become a hero at any school.
It would be an insult to call the game an appetizer, but the boys followed it up with the intensity we all know and love.
When sophomore Nick Messer went down with an early ankle injury, it was natural to think he’d be gutting it out on the court as soon as he could. That’s just kind of player he is and you know much the game meant to him. Unfortunately, he was unable to return, but showed as much intensity as anyone while on the bench.
And of course, it’s not a Lafayette-Marqutte game without the fans treating it like the Super Bowl. There were no Conference titles or playoff spots on the line, but it didn’t matter one bit to the sold out crowd.
Every basket, and even most rebounds, got a thunderous reaction from both sides. When the Marquette side dared the Superfans to respond, they were reminded of a certain embarassing football memory that’s still fresh after four months.
Win or lose, the Superfans are merciless, especially against Marquette. And it’s nothing short of priceless.
Speaking of priceless, Senior Principal Tim Jones played the role of honorary Captain Superfan perfectly. Imagine that, a principal was leading the charge in a section packed with students.
Even the always-calm Coach Allen didn’t hesitate share his feelings with referees about questionable calls.
Don’t be suprised though. Playing Marquette brings out the crazed fan in everyone. Overall, the atmosphere was incredible.
Think of it like school spirit in surround sound, with Marquette’s tiny gym trapping it all in. Nobody even thought about sitting either, and it wasn’t because they couldn’t.
As the Superfans raised their hands like “diamonds in the sky”, the 56-44 victory put Lafayette in basketball heavan. Like a diamond in the sky, Lancer Nation was in paradise.
