Hudson, OH – February 13, 2024 – In a game that will be etched into Western Reserve Academy basketball lore, the Pioneers fought valiantly but fell 99-90 in double overtime to Spire Academy on Thursday night in front of a raucous crowd. A white-out student section, fueled by a pregame tailgate and pep rally, roared all night as WRA clawed back from deficits and delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in program history.

The Pioneers' resilience shone brightest in the final seconds of regulation. Trailing by three, Torr Sorensen ('25) grabbed an offensive rebound , sprinted to the arc, and buried a game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime. "The place erupted – you couldn't even hear the person next to you," said one spectator.

WRA's offense leaned on its stars to keep pace with Spire's high-powered duo of Noah Frayer (35 points) and Collin Ross (24 points, 13 rebounds). Anthony Thompson ('26) ignited the attack early, finishing with a team-high 26 points, while Dom Sprague ('26) had a huge game with 23 points. CJ Stinson ('25) added 23 points of his own, and Sorensen's clutch heroics capped a gritty double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds).

Fatigue and adversity struck in overtime. Pavle Ridesic ('25) fouled out late, and injuries left the Pioneers shorthanded, but WRA continued trading blows until Spire pulled away in the second extra period. "Our guys left everything on the floor," said coach Sean White. "This loss hurts, but the fight they showed? That's what we're about."

The pregame festivities – food, music, and a sea of white in the stands – set the stage for an unforgettable night. Though the result wasn't ideal, the game reinforced WRA's reputation for thrilling, high-stakes basketball. The unwavering support from students, faculty, and families also showcased the deep sense of community that makes this school and these events these special.

The Pioneers look to rebound this Saturday, February 15th, at 4 PM in the MAC against O.U.R. Prep.