Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto

A Tale of
Two Seasons

3/18/04
Sequels are never easy… and they’re usually not nearly as successful. A sequel can never live up to the fresh originality of its predecessor. But, then again Merriam Webster defines a sequel as “something that follows; a continuation, an aftermath…"

As the 2004 Novi Wildcat Basketball Team ended their season with a 20-4 record after dropping a Regional Playoff game against Troy, it should be noted this team stood on their own, created their own legacy, and very much lived up to the 2003, 21-3 team that had been recognized as the best in the school’s history. This team was no sequel, they had their own identity from the get-go.

Even though this team had a few returning players from last years squad, the Novi Wildcats came together in a distinctly different fashion, and they ended up becoming KVC Co-Champs along with Pinckney, not a bad accomplishment. They also beat their cross-town rival Northville, not once but twice, including a dramatic double-overtime victory while garnering the District Championship… again.

The Wildcats also held onto the coveted Wanderer trophy for a while as well, before falling to South Lyon, a team they got even with 2 weeks later. In fact, except for the final game, the Wildcats also got even with the other two opponents that beat them, Howell and Pinckney…

So, except for the fateful final game against Troy, Novi beat everybody they played this year. They even landed 5 players on the All-KVC team. Brad Simpson, Brad Chandler, Anthony Harbin, Mark Moore, and Joey Fratto all earned post-season honors.

And let’s not forget, for the one-year they played on the Middle School floor that became their home away from home, they had a sparkling 9-1 record. So all in all, the thrills they provided, the effort they gave and commitment they showed resulted in the 2^nd best record in the school’s history, and another 20-victory season. There are not many High School teams in the state of Michigan that can claim that distinction.

And to those that say they never expected the team to do this well, I hope you enjoyed the excitement and pleasant surprises that defined this unique group of kids.

This team stood on their own, and they stood tall. That’s how I’ll always remember them.

They never were, and never will be, anybody’s second act…
 

(c) 2004 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also the voice of Novi Wildcat Hockey and host of Wildcat Face-off, a local radio program dedicated to youth sports in Novi.