Our Doherty Boys’ Basketball faced Palmer Boys Basketball on February 2nd, 2024. A game that everyone was waiting on. Since the beginning of the season during the Crosstown Throwdown hosted by Girls’ Basketball head coach Mark Jones, the Doherty Girls and Boys basketball would fall short letting Palmer take home the win. When it came to playing them again our boys basketball had something to prove to Palmer.
Walking into Palmer on February 2nd, the gym was fully packed. There wasn’t one seat open if you didn’t get there 30 minutes before tip-off. Palmer and Doherty both filled their student sections which made it a great experience for the players. “I’ve never seen our gym that packed before. It was crazy. The crowd was loud and into the game and the pressure was really on,” says Brayden Unseth. From the parents, students, cheerleaders, and the band the gym was loud and it was a great atmosphere for The Spartans to rule over the win against Palmer. “It was very energetic in the gym and it helped us get the win,” says James Pulliam
Now when it comes to Doherty and Palmer there also comes a big rivalry. Doherty and Palmer have always had a rivalry throughout the years for almost every sport. But most of Doherty athletics have been moved up to 6A which makes us see Palmer less and less every year, but our boys basketball makes sure to put them on their schedule every year. “This year was different. In past years the “rivalry” hasn’t been that big, but this year with both Palmer and us being top teams in state it was a huge match-up and I think it sparked that rivalry again”, says Brayden Unseth. With Doherty coming off that big win and the atmosphere that was in the gym while they were on the court playing it does make people feel that rivalry coming back and it leads everyone excited to see what the future holds for Palmer and Doherty in the future. “Being able to beat our rivals in a packed-out gym feels great,” says James Pulliam.
The Spartans came out with the win that night. Winning 71-56 over Palmer. James Pulliam dropped 24 points and so did Elijah Mack dropping 26 points. “It was big to be able to be a big contributor in that game,” says James Pulliam. The boys can handle the pressure when it is given, especially when the gym is fully packed with their opposing team’s fans. “That was a big win we got. It showed how far we have come this season. I think we love big atmospheres. We thrive on big-time games,” says Jason Ross. This big win added to the boys 12 game winning streak.
The Doherty Boys have just finished their season 18-5 overall and placed first in league going 10-0. They are now headed to the playoffs facing George Washington at Doherty on February 21st at 6:00 pm. Keep a lookout for this group of boys, they are very talented and are going to have a bright future in the 2024 CHSAA playoffs.
