The Bishop Blanchet men’s varsity basketball team played its last regular season game against the Lions of Lakeside on February 3. In one of the Braves most stifling defensive performances, they held the Lakeside offense to just 34 points. Although the Lions were favored, it was the Braves who pulled out the win, 49-34.

The underdog victory proved bittersweet for two Braves. Senior captains Will Merriman and Liam Eberhardt graced the Ernie Rose Gymnasium for the last time.

The Lakeside game marks the end of Merriman’s second season as a varsity player. He had 8 points and 5 rebounds to go along with 2 steals. Although never the flashiest player on the court, Merriman always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

“I have enjoyed playing basketball at Blanchet every single day of the year,” said Merriman of his experiences playing for Blanchet. “Whether it’s summer ball, the regular season or in the playoffs, there is just something special about the bonds you make and the lessons you learn participating in Blanchet Basketball.”

6’5” power forward Liam Eberhardt was the other senior who said goodbye to a stellar career of Blanchet hoops on Friday night. Finishing the season as the team’s second-leading scorer, Eberhardt posted 10 points to go along with 13 boards in a swansong double-double. A lanky, stretch four, Eberhardt was always a matchup nightmare for his opponents, given his size and shooting touch. A true fan favorite, many Braves will be sad to see the big man not on the court next season.

“I just feel like it’s not only a passion of mine and something that I put a lot of work into,” said Eberhardt about his basketball career. “But also my closest friends at Blanchet I’ve made through basketball.”

Merriman and Eberhardt look to add one more game to their senior season when the Braves take on the Spartans of Bainbridge in a loser-out Metro Tournament Qualifier on February 7.