As more than 100 fans filed in to the Gloucester City High School gymnasium for the Lions basketball game against Collingwood on Thursday evening, Feb. 8, there was excitement in the air.
It was not just for the upcoming game as the teams warmed up, but for a special celebration before tipoff honoring seniors Michael Light and Kevin Wall – who were described as excellent basketball players who have made many contributions to the team, the school and the community.
They had helped the Lions win the South Jersey Group 1 Championship for the first time in 50 years during the 2021-22 season, and their veteran presence is leading the team to another successful season this year.
As the players went to their benches, Michael Light’s family members walked onto the court to join him in the celebration, including Dave Light, Kris Light, Jordan Mason, Megan Mason with baby Murphy Mason, Ty Mason, Joe Mason, Kati Light-Giberson and Zephyr Giberson.
Next up was Kevin Wall, who was joined by Ashton Wall, Keith Wall, Jill Wall, Madison Wall and Angela Wall, who were all delighted about him being honored.
The game then started at a frantic pace, with players going up and down the court quickly and making sharp passes.
The Lions starting five of Light, Wall, Ryan James, Keegan Cohan and Kadon Harris moved the ball around fast on offense, looking for an open jump shot or driving to the hoop as Light did on a reverse back-door layup to propel Gloucester City to a first quarter lead.
On defense they played as a tight-knit unit, picking up open players, challenging shots and pulling down rebounds, propelling the Lions to a 69-48 victory.
On offense, Cohan and sophomore Jake Smith led the team with 14 points each, which Marcus Flagg scored 12 points.
Light finished with 10 points and seven assists, making some great passes to open teammates. Wall scored six points and had three rebounds, Harris was dominant underneath with 11 rebounds and added five points, and James scored eight points.
It was a team victory with contributions from all the Lions, who went on to defeat crosstown rival Gloucester Catholic on Saturday, Feb. 10, and are now getting ready for the upcoming South Jersey playoffs.
And, it was a special night for the families of Michael Light and Kevin Wall.
