Senior guard Wills Epps has made contributions to this basketball team ever since he stepped on the court in uniform his sophomore year. His callup from junior varsity was at a time where the team was in the middle of a run to the District Semifinal game, where they were defeated by only a point right at the very end against Wharton.

Friday night marked his senior night game against Alonso, the end of a journey that saw a head coaching change, as well as numerous players entering and leaving.

Epps played under Michael Slonaker for little under a season, and then for the next two years played under Cameron Coleman, the current coach, who got to see him develop as a player for the past two seasons.

“He’s grown a lot in his leadership in terms of being more accountable. From where he was to where he is now, it’s a big change,” said Coleman. “He’s gotten out of his comfort zone with being vocal, so I’m proud of him for really trying, especially in games.”

In his senior season, Epps as a captain has helped this team double their win total so far from last year, as they approach the beginning round of the District Tournament, a contest that Epps believes they can go far in and potentially make it to the Championship game.

Many teammates have played alongside Epps throughout the three years on varsity, and Miles Newsome, junior, had nothing but respect for the fellow guard.

“Wills is one of the most competitive kids I’ve ever played with”, said Newsome. “He battles om both ends of the floor and radiates his intensity to the rest of the team. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.”

Epps got to reflect on what he learned while playing the sport, and what he enjoyed about it.

“My favorite memory was the game winner at Brooks DeBartolo against Shorecrest Prep, and I honestly didn’t even know it was coming down to the wire,” said Epps.

Over the years, he has learned to keep his composure. “We go different places for our games and there is a lot of kids talking to you from the bleachers,” said Epps.

The away games can really pump up the players, because they are traveling away from home and attempt to pull off the road upset against whoever they have to play. Each player has a venue they love to play at, and for Epps, look no further than their neighboring school, Jesuit High School.

“They have such a good atmosphere, a great student section, and I don’t like them at all; it’s always fun,” said Epps.

The senior night festivities is what the players look forward to, and Epps is no different.

“I get one more chance to play with my fellow seniors and have a good time in front of my friends who will be attending the game,” said Epps.

The senior night hustle and bustle won’t distract the team as they still have the goal of making it past the District Tournament.

“I think if we play they way we’ve been playing, the way we can play, then we can make it to the championship game against Sickles most likely. We have a tough first round game at Wiregrass Ranch in their home arena, which is a hard place to play,” said Epps.

No matter the outcome of how they perform to close out the season, in the words of Coach Coleman, the night of Feb. 3 is unlike any other.

“With senior night, when they come back to their ten-year class reunion, they will talk about Senior Night. Outside of your very last game, it will be one of the most memorable one,” Coleman said.