On Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., three of Longwood University's men basketball players entered Willett Gym for the last time. Before the game started, seniors Earl Gee, Aaron Mitchell, and Jeffery Ryan were honored by the Longwood community for their hard work and commitment that they put into the men's basketball program for the past years.
Gee, Mitchell, and Ryan were accompanied by their parents as their names were announced over the speaker. The Longwood community stood on their feet and applauded the three players and their parents as each of them walked to the center of the court for the final time.
The Lancers completed their 2010-11 season with a final record of 12-19. The Longwood Lancers made the game memorable by finishing the game by posting a season high of 113 points as a team. The final score was 113-84.
As their final game came to a close, there were a few comments made by Longwood students and the parents regarding the senior's futures.
Longwood University junior Cody Swain stated, "Well Earl Gee and Aaron Mitchell even though Aaron has only been here for two years and some of them don't play as big as rolls as we would like, it is just really sad to see some of these guys leave, they are a part of Longwood's community. They did a really good job on and off the court. It is just going to be really sad to see them leave not only as players but as friends of mine. Thank you for being a big part of Longwood's community and playing for us every day and night."
Parents Lydia and Jeffery Ryan, Jeffery's parents, commented, "We are extremely proud of our son. Absolutely proud, couldn't be prouder. We know that he is graduating and we wish him the very best. Longwood was a good choice for him."
Parents Cara Gee and Earl Gee, Earl's parents, commented, "We are very proud of our son. We feel somewhat sad that he is about to graduate, but happy that new doors are going to open for him later on in life."
Parent Denise Mitchell, Aaron's mother, said, "As a mother I am very proud of him. I hope he remains humble in whatever he does. We just want him to know that whatever his goals are that we are 100 percent behind him."
Aaron's father, Randolph Mitchell said, "As the father, I am extremely proud of him and I thank Longwood for giving him the opportunities establish himself and we thank the fans and the coaches for supporting him during the year. I hope as my wife said that he stays humble and he survives on the Lord and lets the Lord guide him."
The parents of the seniors were giving flowers and each senior was handed a plaque with their picture on it.
Jeffery Ryan, Earl Gee, and Aaron Mitchell will truly be missed by the Longwood Community and we wish them the best of luck.
