So far, the Plant Boys Basketball team is 15-4 in the 2025-2026 season. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Panthers celebrated Senior Night by playing and beating Alonso High School. The seniors showed up for the team, ending with a score of 79-31. The five seniors they celebrated were Tyler Lessinger, Liam Compton, Tripp Brown, Davie Rolle and Abram Clements.   

Tripp Brown played football and basketball for the Panthers, but he couldn’t attend Senior Night because he had committed to the University of Florida for Football. He graduated early, so he couldn’t go. In his honor, his parents went to the game to celebrate the team.   

Starting the game, Tyler Lessinger (11) scored a three-pointer, giving the Panthers a good start.  

“The atmosphere was really good and loud,” Lessinger said. “A lot of my friends and family were there, so it was cool to look in the crowd and see everyone. I feel like the reason we played so well was because of how loud the gym was and how much support we had.” 

After, Liam Compton (12) scored another three-pointer, finishing the first quarter with a 16-9 lead; the home gym was louder than ever.   

In the second quarter, Marcus Rose (11) scored a three-pointer and scored on a fast break. The Panthers led with a score of 28-17. Then, Jonah Daniel (11) scored another fast break. Lessinger scored another three-pointer, making the crowd roar with cheers.  

“I came to the game with some friends to cheer for Tyler, and the gym was so loud,” Stella Ong (12) said. “After every point, the crowd went wild, and the atmosphere was electric. This made the game so fun to watch and celebrate the seniors who have put in so much work.”  

To finish the second quarter, Makoa Morrison (11) scored a three-pointer, finishing the first half up with a score of 36-19.  

In the third quarter, Makoa Morrison intercepted a pass from Alonso and scored a fast break. Leading into the fourth quarter, Colin Nguyen (11) scored a fast break with the score being 76-28. Then Johnnie Grant (11) scored a buzzer-beater, finishing the game with the end score of 79-31. The crowd cheered, and the team celebrated the win together.  

“Playing for Plant has taught me about teamwork,” Lessinger said. “Being able to stand alongside the other seniors and be supported for all the work we had put into this was so rewarding. Teamwork is an important part of this sport, and it was fun to do it with the seniors around me.”  

Plant Mens’ Basketball Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/fl/tampa/plant-panthers/basketball/roster/