Matchup between Wareham's state championship basketball teams lives up to the hype
Ever wonder who would win if Wareham’s 2023 state championship team played the school’s 2010 state title squad?
SouthCoast basketball fans got their answer.
Facing off as part of a fundraiser for the boys basketball program, the 2023 Vikings defeated the 2010 Vikings 76-65 in front of a packed house at Wareham High last month.
“It was just a great night overall,” said Wareham High boys basketball coach Steve Faniel. “The boys put on a show for the community and the community support was unbelievable.
“It was just an awesome way to bring the community together and celebrate all of our Viking athletes and coaches past and present.”
Faniel was an assistant coach under Kevin Brogioli on the 2010 team.
“It was humbling to see Jim and Kevin Brogioli as well cheering on all their former players,” Faniel said. “I owe them and the program owes them so much for building the program and making it the tradition that it is today.”
The event was organized by Community Youth Empowerment (CYE).
"I think it went very well," said Darien Fernandez, who works for CYE. "The community always shows up and supports. It’s been like that for years. Every tournament game the gym is packed so I wasn’t surprised at the turnout."
Fernandez was a part of both championship runs as a member of the 2010 team and an assistant coach for the 2023 team.
"It was fun to play against them," he said of facing the 2023 Vikings. "Personally, I always play with them at practice so I know how talented the group is. I think it’s good for them because growing up they probably went to our games."
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Winner of the matchup between Warehams 2010 and 2023 state title teams
