During Northeastern's District 3 Class AA semifinal and championship games on Friday, I couldn't help but notice some familiar faces in the front row of the bleachers at Dallastown.
Seated courtside was several former Bobcats players, including former standouts Drew Tyger, Eric Shoemaker, Aaron Merges, Travis Clemens and Richie White.
Most were even wearing their old Northeastern jerseys while cheering on their alma mater during wins over York Suburban and Manheim Central, which gave coach Matt Wilson his first district title.
Of course a few of the alumni have even more reason to watch - their younger brothers.
Tyger and Shoemaker have brothers who are sophomores on the Northeastern squad.
While not as big as is older brother, Ian Tyger is one of the Bobcats' leading hitters and can bring the house down with a kill.
Dominic "Nick" Shoemaker is a dominant force on Northeastern's offense with his talented passing ability along with the great instincts to take what the other team gives.
Both are wise beyond their years as evidenced by Wilson selecting Nick Shoemaker as his team captain -- quite an honor for a 10th grader.
Clemens' younger brother Tyler Clemens, is a junior on the team. All three older siblings have helped the younger ones in any way they could, including dropping in on practice.
Ian, Nick and Tyler have been hanging around the Northeastern gym since they were in grade school and obviously have learned a great deal in that time.
"They are way ahead of where we were as sophomores," Eric Shoemaker said between games on Friday. "It is not even close."
With his gold medal hanging around his neck, Wilson pointed over to the "older" guys - his former players.
"This is for them," he said. "This is a big win for the past 15 years. We have been here a lot and knocked on the door. This was a great program effort."
The team is looking forward to its next program effort at next week's PIAA playoffs.
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