MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Wapahani senior Nate Luce walked out of the Raiders’ locker room at Michigan City High School. After falling in the first game of the 2A semi-state 61-59 to Gary 21st Century, Luce ended his high school basketball career.
As he stepped into the hallway, he was met with hugs from his family, friends and other members of the Wapahani community. He couldn’t hold back the tears as he reminisced on the last four years of playing Raider basketball.
“It’s what our community is about. It shows that we're one big family and not individual people,” Luce said. “We all come together at the end of the day, and that's why Selma is the greatest community of all time. I could never ask for anybody or anyone better than this right here.”
His father, Wapahani head coach Matt Luce, had the same reaction when talking about Nate and the journey the two have had together.
“What Nate has done as a young man has left a mark on the Liberty Perry and Wapahani community,” Matt said. “His attitude, effort, incredible hard work in the classroom and just being a good dude. Coach's sons are a special breed and Nate Luce is a special guy.”
The game against the Cougars did not start the way the Raiders wanted as 21st Century jumped to a 5-0 lead. Though the red and white found some momentum on offense, the Cougars took an even bigger lead, 22-13, in the second quarter.
However, the Raiders were not worried.
“Our coaches and our entire community were like, ‘It's not going the way we wanted, but we're gonna come back with the heart of a lion,” Matt said.
After finding more rhythm on offense, the Raiders only trailed 26-23 at halftime. But after the break, the Cougars’ success with the basketball in their hands returned, opening the second half with a 10-0 scoring run.
Down 33-23, the Raiders did not let the hit affect them After fighting their way back, Wapahani junior Camden Bell crossed 1,000 career points with a layup. This led to some momentum as the red and white continued to give the Cougars their all.
“It's not something you see every day,” Bell said. “I wish I would have gotten the win. It's something nice, and in a few days, I'll probably really enjoy it.”
With 7.8 seconds left in the game, Wapahani attempted to get a steal and tie the game. But the Cougars moved the ball to the open court, running out the clock.
“Give Gary 21st credit,” Matt said. “They are good and have great attitudes.”
Over the last four years, Wapahani is 96-12. While Luce believes that has been due to the hard work of the Raiders, he also said it’s due to the support the program has received around the school and community.
“Our band left at 6 a.m. this morning. It's innocent fun and great fun,” Matt said. “It's great guys that don't cause trouble and have respect for their teachers and coaches and people … It didn't come out the way we wanted. But when the day is over, the Wapahani boys basketball team, the community spirit and [our] togetherness, it'll be remembered.”
The other Delaware County team left in the state tournament, the Delta Eagles, also fell to semi-state. They played at the 3A semi-state at Logansport and fell to East Chicago 62-46.
Contact Zach Carter via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or via X @ZachCarter85.
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