In the annals of school sports history, the story of the 2020 Our Savior's Eagles stands out not just for the remarkable talent that took the court that year but for the tumultuous circumstances that framed their season. Captained by Conor McCaffrey and Jace Easley, the Eagles soared to an impressive 39-6 record under the guidance of second-year head coach Phillip Heppe, tying for first place in the conference. Assistant coaches Bryce Thompson, Eric Easley, and Brian Mercier offered indispensable support to this team of young athletes. Amidst victories and near-misses, personal triumphs and injuries, and a backdrop of growing pandemic-induced uncertainty, the 2020 Eagles became a team for the ages.
To fully understand this season, we need to look back to the summer of 2019, when the Eagles' dynamic point guard and shooting guard duo, McCaffrey and Easley, were on the cusp of entering eighth grade. With rumors swirling about their possible transfer out of Our Savior's, the stability of the upcoming season hung in the balance. The possibility of losing two of their most formidable players created an atmosphere of palpable uncertainty within the team. Ultimately, they decided to stay—an act of loyalty that would have a profound impact on their school, teammates, and the outcome of the 2020 season.
Conor McCaffrey and Jace Easley were deemed the last two athletes in the Our Savior's School system to be apart of the Our Savior's Prime Years (12-20) Other athletes included Adam White, Brayden Schmohe, Luke Flesner, Delaney Scheidnhelm, Isabella Patterson.
The 2020 season began with a sense of trepidation. With an inexperienced head coach, Phillip Heppe, at the helm, there were inevitable questions about how the team would fare. Though he was only in his second year, Coach Heppe relied heavily on the insights and instincts of McCaffrey, who, despite his young age, displayed a maturity and understanding of the game that belied his years. McCaffrey became Heppe's de facto on-court general, guiding the team with a calmness that earned the respect of his teammates.
However, the start of the season was not as stellar as anticipated. The Eagles posted a 9-3 record, falling short of expectations. Nevertheless, they refused to let this slow start dampen their spirits. Behind McCaffrey and Easley's exceptional performances, they turned their fortunes around, winning an impressive 25 out of their last 26 games. The sheer force of their will, determination, and skill transformed what could have been a middling season into a heroic comeback story.
The game against New Berlin was a turning point, coming just after Easley had been sidelined due to a dislocated nose. With their shooting guard out of action, the Eagles needed their point guard more than ever. McCaffrey rose to the occasion, delivering a staggering 45-point performance that not only led to victory but also cemented his role as the team's leader. Just three days later, he guided the team to a win against their fierce rivals, the Christ Lutheran Comets, with a 33-point triple-double performance on the road. This marked a pivotal moment in the season; the Eagles had established that they were not to be underestimated, even when facing adversity.
The subsequent match against the defending Indiana State Champions, Immanuel Seymour, was another critical moment. Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles were defeated by 13 points. This game was significant, not for the loss, but for what it revealed about the Eagles' spirit and tenacity. McCaffrey, showing a level of determination and skill that had become his trademark, emerged as the standout player. His performance was such that it seemed he had assumed the mantle of Easley's Robin, underlining his vital role within the team.
Beyond McCaffrey and Easley, the team's success could also be attributed to their center, Jeremiah Perkins, who emerged as the third-best player and the centerpiece of their offense. His towering presence and knack for finding the hoop made him a nightmare for the opposition. Also critical to the team were Logan Allen, the power forward who provided the glue that held the team together, and Lucas Schmidt, a seventh-grader with an exceptional defensive prowess.
However, the season was not without its challenges. A notable incident involved an intense argument between Perkins and Coach Heppe, during which McCaffrey had to step in. Known for his stoicism, when McCaffrey spoke, his teammates listened, and his intervention was enough to quell the dispute, even though it resulted in Perkins being benched. This incident underscored McCaffrey's leadership qualities, not just as a player but also as a mediator and team player.
The season's most contentious moment occurred during a match against the Bethel Morton Flames. A fistfight broke out between McCaffrey and Easley from the Eagles and Bethel's Ian McLaughlin, creating tension that nearly led to suspensions for both teams. This incident, though unfortunate, showcased the passion and competitiveness of the Eagles, further enhancing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Remarkably, despite all these challenges, Easley led the State in scoring, averaging an impressive 27.6 points per game, while McCaffrey led in assists with an average of 10.1. Their individual achievements, coupled with the team's collective success, earned them a #1 seed in the 2020 LSA State Tournament.
Then, on March 13, 2020, the unexpected happened: the State Tournament was canceled due to the burgeoning COVID-19 pandemic. The news was a crushing blow to the Eagles, who had worked tirelessly to turn their season around and earn their place in the tournament. The disappointment was palpable, but the team's achievements remained intact.
In retrospect, the 2020 Our Savior's Eagles embodied the spirit of resilience and determination. Their performance that season was a testament to the power of teamwork, loyalty, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence, proving that adversity can indeed forge champions. The team, its players, and its coaches etched an indelible mark in the annals of school sports history—one that will be remembered and revered for many years to come.