A senior night to remember for Lake City boys basketball

The Lake City Tigers boys basketball team held senior night ahead of their game against Rochester Lourdes. The Tigers special event included Blake Frederick, a special education student. He’s been a mainstay with the basketball program since entering high school and made his varsity debut Thursday at senior night.

***CLICK ON THE VIDEO BOX TO HEAR FROM BLAKE, COACH BERGE, & HIS TEAMMATES AND TO SEE BLAKE IN ACTION***

Prior to senior night, the team had Blake sign an honorary contract to make his varsity debut, as he had been a member of the junior varsity team.

Lake City Senior Blake Fredrick signed his “Senior Night Game Contract” this morning. Blake is normally on the JV team but, due to his being a great teammate and his daily Attitude and Effort, has been promoted to Varsity for Sr Night tomorrow night! We’re proud of you Blake!! pic.twitter.com/gpAIRJKkxb

— Lake City Activities (@attitudeneffort) February 24, 2021

Blake is an important member of the program. He’s has been a homecoming candidate, been on the "Snow Days" court, played and scored in JV games, and has many friends school-wide from his peers.

Before Thursday night’s game, when Blake was announced with two other seniors, the limited crowd erupted in applause. Even from behind a mask, Blake’s happiness was evident.

As for the game itself, Lake City led 32-25 at halftime, with junior guard Carson Matzke scoring nine points. Freshman guard Hunter Lorenson and senior guard Brayden Meyer chipped in eight points at the break.

It was a back-and-forth second half, but Lake City pulled away in the end – setting the stage for Blake’s debut.

He checked in late in the game and earned a few looks at scoring his first points as a varsity players, but couldn’t get the ball to drop.

Nonetheless, as the horn sounded at the end of the game – Blake got another ovation from the crowd, his teammates and opponents.

Lake City won 68-58.