Old-School identity adopted by Caravan basketball following jersey shortage

As the first snowflakes touch down this year, basketball gets rolling at 6410 S. Dante. The Caravan are loaded with talent, as players like DeAndre Craig, Trey Marks, and the Ciaravino brothers take the court. However, jersey shortages have been a major setback for the basketball program. 

Game and practice jerseys that were ordered months ago are still stuck in Coach Pete Kammholz’s security office. Because of this, players have been reusing older stain-ridden jerseys that don’t match them in size. After a few weeks of practice, head varsity coach Phil Segroves decided that it was time to have a team meeting with all three levels about the lack-luster uniforms. 

“I know you guys are disappointed about the jerseys,” the seven year coach explained. “However, we just received new jerseys and will be handing them out tomorrow. I think you guys are gonna like these ones.”

The coach briefly addressed the teams and informed them that they would get their  jerseys the next day. Sophomore Dylan Fulbright was especially happy about the news. 

“I’m tired of these extra large shorts I have to wear everyday,” he remarked. “I mean, I have to wear a belt to stop them from falling below my knees. It’s unfair that I still get dress codes when my belt doesn’t even hold up my shorts.” 

The following day, all the coaches walked into the Cacciatore Gym with several dusty boxes. The coaches opened the boxes and handed out basketball jerseys from St. Cyril College, Mt. Carmel’s predecessor a century ago.

The teams groaned in disbelief as they held short shorts and faded-brown jerseys. “These uniforms just make me look stupid,” said sophomore Martin Wilmes. “I can’t get any girls if I’m looking musty in these old rags.” 

However, sophomore Eddie Ryan was rather excited about the change. “I like the vintage look of these jerseys,” the power forward said. “I’m an old-school kind of player, so it fits my game perfectly. Besides, I want to impress my old coach, Anthony ‘Money’ Massino.” 

A week passed and the Thanksgiving tournament arrived, where Ryan unexpectedly hit seven three pointers and grabbed fourteen rebounds, while topping it all off with two black eyes and a broken nose. 

Varsity basketball also did well in their Thanksgiving tournament. As Matt Malloy’s play-by-play on the Caravan Broadcast Network called it: “Ciaravino, passes to Ciaravino on the left wing, shot no good, rebound by Ciaravino, back to his brother, Ciaravino the shot fake, behind the back pass to Ciaravino in the corner, Bang! His shot is good! Oh my! Ciaravino with the steal, passes to his brother, lobs it up to Ciaravino, Wow! What a dunk by Ciaravino!” 

A transcript of that game’s audio shows that Malloy said Ciaravino 846 times. 

After the first few games passed, the players realized the jerseys were improving their abilities on the court, so they decided to all wear old Converse basketball shoes. Senior Richie Zoller had a great game the following night. 

“I just felt good this game,” the big man concluded after a forty point win over Bremen. “I think the team gelled really well, and we got the W. It felt like 7th grade all over again, felt like I was in that Christ the King jersey, playing DeAndre every year for the championship.” 

Zoller had his first in-game dunk, as he jumped from the free throw line, getting a boost from both Angelo Ciaravino and Trey Marks. Additionally, the 6’2” senior drew seventeen charge fouls, an IHSA record topping the previous mark of fifteen charge fouls, also Zoller’s achievement. 

With the success that has come with the “new” look on the court, a decision was made to move all home games to the Alumni Gym. Athletic Director Mr. Dan LaCount thought this would be a good idea. 

“Mt. Carmel is a place full of character, and I think this old-school basketball identity really embodies the school,” he exclaimed. “So why not play in the Alumni Gym where numerous legends have dominated in years before?” 

There is still evidence of a thunderous Antoine Walker dunk from 1994, where part of the track and hoop crumbled onto the floor. LaCount deemed the court safe to play on, even though many of the floorboards are permanently warped and damaged. The wrestling team was practicing in the Alumni Gym, but Coach Alex Tsirtsis didn’t mind moving to outdoor practices, since it will be above thirteen degrees for most of the season. 

As just over a month has passed in the Caravan’s basketball season, their new jerseys and court have definitely helped their game. Just watch the December 16th win against St. Francis De Sales.