DUNMORE, Pa. — Through green lights and smoke, the Holy Cross High School boys basketball team made a grand entrance into the high school gym in Dunmore.
This pep rally brought together students, teachers, and the community ahead of the boys playing in the PIAA 2A state championship game.
The school and community are abuzz with this team's success this season because they are only one win away from their first boys' state championship in Holy Cross history.
"Such an amazing season, a young group of guys, a first-year head coach, and we're going to a state championship," said Holy Cross High School Principal Ben Tolerico.
"It means everything just to have the school behind you, the parents, the fans. It's just really cool. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and to have everyone behind you is motivating and really fun," said junior Michael Hughes.
Holy Cross faces Aliquippa on Friday afternoon, a team that is no stranger to the pressure of a state championship game.
Holy Cross will need its fans to pack the stands and bring energy to the game, and the team feels that has been consistent all season.
"Support is a huge thing, and noise goes a long way, and when you have that home-court advantage, and everyone is making that noise, the other team is going to get really intimidated by that," said junior Matthew Lyons.
Northeastern Pennsylvania should be well represented in the stands in Hershey for three state title games. The Holy Cross boys and the Mountain View girls play on Friday, and the Scranton Prep girls play on Saturday.
"This District II has prepared us to make this run. And girls, too; girls basketball is extremely good around here. To be one of the best districts in the state, I think, prepares everybody, and hopefully, we come back 3 for 3 by Saturday," said Holy Cross head coach Al Callejas.