As the final buzzer sounded on their season, the boys varsity basketball team walked off the court with heads high — not just because of their playoff berth, but because of the journey they took to get there. For seniors like Callen Gebhardt and rising leaders like junior Chris Smith, this season was a testament to hard work, resilience, and the strength of their team’s bond.
One of the most memorable moments for Gebhardt came on senior night — a night of celebration and reflection for the graduating players. “One of my highlights was senior night, just being able to have a huge win with Ryan and Dylan, my other seniors playing well, and kind of just put a cap on the four years of work that we put in together in the program,” Gebhardt said. “And then, on top of that, another one would just be making the playoffs, because that was a big goal for us.”
For Smith, a standout moment came in a dramatic showdown against Rocky Mountain. “It was probably the Rocky Mountain game. It was a very memorable game because I played really well, and we ended up winning on a game-winner,” Smith said. “I didn’t hit the game-winner, but it was still a fun game. I played well, and it was against a good team too, so it was a fun one.”
But the path to those high points wasn’t without its challenges. Throughout the season, injuries threatened to derail the team’s progress. Gebhardt missed several games due to a concussion, and Smith was sidelined for two to three games with a chest injury. “Our biggest challenge was our league — just playing against a lot of really solid 5A and 6A teams from the area, and a lot of them on the road, like Broomfield and Horizon,” Gebhardt explained. “Just tough games where you can play your best and still might not come out on top.”
Smith echoed those struggles. “Injuries were probably our biggest challenge because Cal missed a couple of games, and I missed a few too,” Smith said. “Coming back from the injury and getting back in the groove — playing again — it’s kind of just a little different. It was a big challenge.”
Despite the setbacks, both players saw noticeable growth in their individual performances. Gebhardt’s improvement as a shooter stood out, with his three-point percentage climbing by 8% to finish the season at 40%. “Something I think I could have done better was just get downhill and get to the free-throw line more often than I was able to,” he added.
Smith focused on expanding his skill set beyond shooting. “I think I still need to improve on doing more than just shooting because that’s about all I do,” Smith said with a laugh. “But I think I improved on my defense from the offseason as the season went on.”
What kept the team grounded through the ups and downs was their chemistry — a closeness both players agreed was unlike any other. “This is one of the most tight-knit, closest groups I’ve ever been a part of,” Gebhardt said. “Being so close with all those guys and being buddies off the court really helped us have chemistry when we’re on the court together.”
Smith agreed, emphasizing how that connection translated into better communication and trust during games. “It makes it really easy to play on the court, and if you make a mistake, it’s easy to talk about it with your teammates,” he said. “You won’t get mad at them because you’re close to them. It just makes it easier to play and have team chemistry.”
As the team reflects on the season and looks ahead, they know their achievements weren’t just measured in wins or losses. The memories made, the challenges overcome, and the relationships built will shape the program long after this season’s final game. And for Gebhardt, Smith, and the rest of the squad, that’s a victory worth celebrating.
