Captains leading Vernon basketball team

VERNON — Ideally a high school sports program will be guided not only by a competent coaching staff, but by dependable veteran players.

As most sports fans can attest, things don’t always work out that way and the team often times suffers because of a lack of proper guidance.

Well, the Vernon High School basketball team must be feeling quite idealistic this season. Not only do the Vikings have strong coaching, but they also have strong leadership from the six seniors — Senad Ceca, Seamus Hughes, Nick Izzo, Tim Ploch, Nazir Simmons-Stewart and Cameron Sparta.

“We always value our seniors as our leaders because they understand our program philosophy and have experience with the challenges we face during a course of a season," Vernon coach Matt Ferguson said. “They are able to share their experiences with the younger student athletes. Most importantly it gives them experience as they pursue their goals after high school."

All six seniors have played important roles in leading the Vikings to a (5-4) start to the season.

"They truly relay a positive message to the younger athletes in our program that whether you start or finish a game, or receive many or few minutes, that regardless of your role playing hard, playing smart and playing together will help the team achieve success," Ferguson said.

Ferguson has certainly noticed the ways in which the seniors have become more complete basketball players.

“The biggest area of improvement that these student-athletes have achieved so far is gaining valuable varsity experience and competiveness in game situations," he said. “They have great team chemistry and are passionate about the game of basketball, which serves as a great model for the younger student athletes."