One by one, as the seniors on the Warrenton boys basketball team left the locker room after the team’s Class 5 District 4 quarterfinal loss on March 3, there wasn’t the slightest air of sadness.

Sure, the five who had just played their final high school basketball game weren’t excited about that prospect, but there was more of a sense of gratitude among the group and Coach Mark Thomas than anything else.

Guard Deadrick Forrest said that, though his final hardwood chapter had been written with fellow seniors Brodey Meier, Taylor Anderson, Jay Sanders and Billy Speiser, the loss would be far from the end of the group’s collective story.   

“I wouldn’t want to step on this court if it wasn’t with them, honestly,” Forrest said. “We’ve been playing together since third and fourth grade. I love these guys with all my heart. I would die for each of those guys.”

To a man, Thomas extolled the virtues of each of his seniors who helped the Warriors finish 9-18, including two wins in Kansas City over the holidays and a win over Class 1 state semifinalist Brunswick.

 The coach said he remembers each senior class that has moved on before this year fondly, but there is just something about this group.

“They are all really special, but these guys have a really close spot in my heart,” Thomas said. “I love these guys; I love them all. I just can’t say enough about this group.”

While they each brought their own contributions to the team, Thomas said his seniors played bigger than just themselves; their contributions to Warrenton basketball will be felt for years to come.

“I’ve known Deadrick probably since I walked into Warrenton,” the coach said. “It’s tough to have that kid walk away. He doesn’t play at his size; his stature is well above that. He’s a kid that, if he chooses the next level, I believe that he can get there.

“Brodey has come along so far from last year when he just started starting,” Thomas added. “This year, to be one of our top guys – we had a different one each game – but he was one of them, it meant a lot. He battled for us.”

“Taylor has been on varsity since his sophomore year and he’s the most kind-hearted kid I’ve ever met,” Thomas continued. “He’d give you the shirt off his back. He doesn’t play that way on the court, though. He’s aggressive.”

“Jay is just a hustle guy with a big motor,” concluded Thomas. “He just keeps coming. His effort has meant everything.”

“Bill was a great addition to the team and I’m so happy he came home to us,” Thomas said. “His basketball smarts, you don’t ever have to worry about him not knowing what’s going on. He’s got a skill set and I just wish we could have had him a couple more years.”

For his part, Meier left the basketball locker room at Warrenton for the last time with hope for a bright future for all his teammates and his program.

“I love each and every one of them,” Meier said. “I know that two of the guys are going to college and I hope they become DI players and they go as far as they want to go. I hope all these guys have successful lives after high school. This team has shown me teamwork and communication. Coach Thomas has really helped me grow.”