It was a night of emotion, celebration and basketball brilliance as the Sonoma State Seawolves hosted the Stanislaus State Warriors for a pivotal Senior Night matchup in men’s basketball. The Seawolves, playing in front of a packed crowd at The Wolves’ Den, delivered a performance that honored their senior class with a resounding 78-72 victory.
The Seawolves’ Senior Night was a spectacle from start to finish, as the team honored their three senior players, Jack Schultz, Julian Bryant and Donovan Sevilla. All of these student-athletes have contributed immensely to the Seawolves’ program and this night was their chance to shine one final time on their home court.
The pre-game ceremonies were filled with cheers, hugs and gratitude, but when the game tipped off, the focus quickly shifted to basketball.
The Seawolves came out strong, determined to send their seniors off with a win. The team had struggled earlier in the season but found its stride in recent weeks and tonight was no different. From the opening tip, Sonoma State played with urgency, energy and cohesion looking every bit like a team on a mission.
The Seawolves’ defense was locked in from the start. James Nobles, a versatile player known for his offense and defensive capabilities, was a force in the paint, getting steals, making shots and getting key assists.
Sonoma State down three points at halftime and came out resilient after the break. Julian Bryant caught fire from beyond the arc, draining three straight three-pointers that had the crowd roaring. His long-range shooting proved to be a critical weapon, forcing Stanislaus State to stretch their defense and opening up the paint for Nobles.
As the game went on and entered the final minutes, the Seawolves refused to let their seniors go out anything less than victorious. Jakob Milling came up with massive shots and transition layups which propelled Sonoma State to the lead late in the game.
Despite a late push from Stanislaus State, including a few tough shots from guard Jeremiah Jones, the Seawolves’ defense stood strong and their offense continued to execute efficiently.
With less than a minute left the players began to embrace, knowing they had just secured an important victory for their seniors.
The buzzer sounded, and the Wolves’ Den erupted in celebration. Sonoma State had triumphed 78-72, sealing an emotional and meaningful victory on Senior Night. After the game, Senior guard Devilla told The Star, “As seniors we set the base for our program. Tonight was about getting a win to conclude a possible ending to an amazing program. Also at the same time this win sends a message that we’re not done yet. This team has to fight, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
As for the seniors, their legacy at Sonoma State is cemented. The Seawolves’ 78-72 victory over Stanislaus State was more than just a win – it was a statement of pride, perseverance and a glimpse to the conclusion of the Seawolves basketball program.
