The boy’s basketball team from Central Lyon may have ended in second place in the state tournament in 2022, but they showed incredible resiliency by making it all the way back to the 2A title game and going on to win their very first title in the process.
The Lions were able to win the state championship by claiming victories over Des Moines Christian, Pella Christian, and another team from the Northwest Iowa region, Western Christian.
Head coach Ben Gerleman said the team’s dedication and passion will be remembered.
“The children had an impressive amount of drive. From the moment we began till the moment it came to a close, and to be able to have the year that they’ve had, in which they had success in football and won the state title, and then followed it up and showed that they’re more than just a one-sport kid is a huge accomplishment for them.
According to Gerleman, “as a coach, it meant the world to me to have students who committed so much of their time and energy to the sport of basketball, while also being extremely talented at other things.”
The Lions’ team slogan during the entirety of the basketball season was “Be where your feet are,” and they made sure to abide by it. According to Coach Gerleman, this adage was most visible at the state tournament, as his players continued to maintain their focus day after day.
“Our objective was to basically be in the position that we were in. And as a consequence of that, I think the children made the most of every chance that they had, and it really helped us to have fun while we were there,” said Gerleman. “It was a great experience for all of us.”
Coach Gerleman joins Amber Salas on KTIV’s Coaches Corner to discuss more on how his team full of upperclassmen have helped shape the culture of Central Lyon basketball, to think back on an extraordinary moment of sportsmanship displayed during the semifinal match against Pella Christian, and to detail his own journey into coaching.