Victor Boys Hoops Claims Sectional Title For First Time Since 1978

In a world where orange comic strip cats didn't exist, and neither did Reeses Pieces or Ben and Jerry's, it's hard to imagine why people bothered to get out of bed back then. But fast forward 45 years and the Blue Devils of Victor High School are back on top. This success, as Carl Jones explains, was built upon a foundation of failures.

For three straight seasons, Victor had been the top seed heading into sectionals, but they had no hardware to show for it. However, everything changed on Saturday night when they finally climbed the mountaintop with a win over Fairport. AJ Queri reflects on the victory, saying, "It didn't really feel real until this morning when I thought, we're the only team in Class AA that is still practicing."

Garrett Clar echoes this sentiment, saying that until the championship goes up on that banner, he's not sure if it will fully sink in. But every time he comes back to Victor, he knows he'll be able to look up at that banner and see what they've accomplished.

There were valuable lessons to be learned from those previous shortcomings for the Blue Devils. This year's team acknowledges that those who came before them built the foundation for their success. Tyler Roberts gives credit to the former teams and players, saying, "A lot of those guys texted our players. They texted me. It really feels like they're still with us."

Nick Leonard adds to this sentiment, saying that the basketball community in Victor deserves something special. Throughout the years, they have had great players who paved the way for the current team. Leonard mentions early workouts with Matt Caggiano and Chase Dicken, who are now at RIT, as well as Connor Williams who is at Fisher. These players have left their mark on the program and continue to inspire the current athletes.

The Victor High School Blue Devils basketball team has often been overshadowed by powerhouse programs within their own school, such as lacrosse, hockey, and even volleyball. However, with this championship win, the team can proudly add basketball to the list and officially call themselves a basketball school.

A Basketball School in the Shadows

Victor High School has long been known for its dominant sports programs. From lacrosse to hockey and even volleyball, the Blue Devils have had successful teams that have brought glory to the school. However, basketball has often remained in the shadows, until now.

The win on Saturday night has propelled the Blue Devils hoops squad into the spotlight. They have proven that they can compete at the highest level and bring home championships. This victory not only puts them on the map but also solidifies their status as a basketball school.

The players and coaches have worked hard to overcome the challenges and expectations that come with being part of a school known for its excellence in other sports. They have fought to be recognized in the same way and have finally achieved that recognition. The basketball community in Victor, along with the players who paved the way, deserves this moment of celebration.

Lessons from Failure

The road to success is often paved with failures and setbacks. The Blue Devils of Victor High School have experienced this firsthand. Despite three straight seasons as the top seed heading into sectionals, they fell short each time. However, they never gave up.

These failures served as lessons for the team. They realized that they needed to build upon the foundation left by those who came before them. The current players acknowledged the efforts of the former teams and players, who have continued to support and inspire them.

The basketball program at Victor High School is not just about winning championships; it's about building a community. The players understand the importance of unity and appreciate the support they have received from past players. This sense of camaraderie and connection has helped propel the Blue Devils to their current success.

A Community United by Basketball

Basketball has the power to unite a community. In Victor, basketball has become more than just a sport; it is a source of pride and inspiration. The players who have come through the program have left a lasting impact on the community.

The early morning workouts, the sweat, and the dedication of past players have paved the way for the current team. The basketball community in Victor has been shaped by these individuals, and their achievements should be celebrated.

The Blue Devils' victory on Saturday night is not just a win for the team; it is a win for the entire community. It is a symbol of their resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the sport. The players, coaches, and fans can now proudly look up at the championship banner and see what they have accomplished together.

Victor High School can now confidently call itself a basketball school, standing alongside its powerhouse programs. The Blue Devils have proven that they belong in the conversation of elite sports programs. This victory is not just about a basketball game; it is about the spirit and unity that basketball brings to the community.

So let the banner fly high, let the celebrations continue, and let the Blue Devils of Victor High School be known as champions on and off the court.