Bulldogs Defended "The Doghouse"

The ICSB gym was alive and abuzz with cheering fans, dynamic dance teams, a booming pep band, and nonstop play as teams from Albania, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Kosovo, and Türkiye gathered to play 26 games over three action-packed days from Thursday through Saturday. 

The tournament tipped off with ICSB Varsity Boys' and Girls' opening games - both strong wins that set the tone for the weekend. 

Hardwork to Hardware: Varsity Girls' Relentless Rebound

After a few seasons of losing players to injuries and suffering difficult losses, our Varsity Girls finally saw their hard work during these "rebuilding years" pay off in a thrilling comeback at this year's Winter Classic.

"You never know the value of something until it’s gone." As a freshman basketball consumed me in every aspect. When I got injured God revealed his power and purpose as he taught me to place my identity and worth in Him and Him only. That was what carried me throughout the season I was out; I started to see basketball as a huge blessing and an opportunity to glorify God rather than myself [...] Coming back on court after 2 years of so many struggles, tears, and rehab was a feeling I cannot even begin to describe, it made the Winter Classic feel like a dream. Because it truly was...

Mira T. Winter Classic MVP, Captain of Varsity Girls Basketball Team

 

The Varsity Girls opened tournament play on Thursday afternoon with a strong 37–29 victory over ICSV. They carried that momentum into Friday afternoon, earning a 38–32 win against IGA, and followed it up with a thrilling 22–20 victory over ISP on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the Bulldogs faced TIS in a tightly contested matchup, coming up just short in a 22–24 game, but their 3-4 record still earned them a spot in the Championship Game. 

 

 

They bookended their tournament with ICSV, facing them in their opening game and in the Championship. In a nail-biting finale, the Girls played an excellent game, battling until the final buzzer, but finishing just one point shy of their opponent, with a final score of 22–23.

It was really cool to see the results of all of our hard work and improvement over the past four years. The loss at the end was disappointing, but it didn't feel like it was because of anything we did wrong. 

Lydia S. Senior on Varsity Girls Basketball Team

The Varsity Girls demonstrated tremendous heart throughout the tournament,  earning them a well-deserved silver trophy. Congratulations Girls!

 

 

Undefeated Champions: Varsity Boys' Victory

It’s really been a 7 year journey for a lot of us who’ve played together since 6th grade or longer and the Winter Classic has always been the overarching goal.

Cade N. Senior on Varsity Boys Basketball Team

 

The Varsity Boys began their tournament run on Thursday afternoon with a strong 41–29 victory, setting the tone for an impressive weekend. They continued their momentum on Friday afternoon with a decisive 60–32 win over PHS, followed by a hard-fought 27–24 victory against ISP on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the Bulldogs battled ICSV in one of the most exciting games of the tournament, edging out a narrow 37–36 win.

Undefeated after winning all four games, they advanced to the championship game to face ISP once again. The competition was fierce; the excitement in the packed-out "Doghouse" was nearly tangible. After a strong Bulldog start, ISP started closing the gap in points, making some Bulldog fans a bit nervous, but our boys fought hard, defended well, and sealed their outstanding undefeated performance with a 21–17 victory, earning them the Championship title. 

 

 

At the sound of the final buzzer, the court flooded with ICSB fans to celebrate with and congratulate our champions, and form a victory tunnel for them to run through. 

Congratulations, 2026 Winter Classic Champions!

It was really fun this year playing basketball because our team is so close, and that's probably the main reason we won. Also, off and on the court, it was fun to be with my team. I'm very glad that we could end my last year and my coach's last year on a win.

Kevin S. Winter Classic MVP, Senior on Varsity Boys Basketball Team

 

Trophies, Threes, All-Star Teams, and MVPs

Following the two Championship Games, the court was taken over for the beloved Three-Point Shootout Competition. Two students from each team were given 30 seconds to practice. They then had 1 minute to score as many points as possible. An ICSV player won the girls' competition, while our very own Gavril V. won the boys' matchup. 

Finally, after 26 games, a three-point contest, and so many other events tied to the Winter Classic, it was time for the final moments on the itinerary, that is, the Awards Ceremony. Team Awards for Sportsmanship and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd were presented, with our Varsity Boys receiving the Championship trophy, and the Varsity Girls receiving the second-place trophy.

 

 

A few individual players were recognized as well. Mira T., Lana W., and Sophia J. were selected for the Girls All-Tournament Team, while Kevin S., Cade N., and Jay D. made the Boys All-Tournament Team. The awards did not stop there for our Bulldogs: in both the girls' and boys' categories, ICSB student-athletes were selected as Winter Classic MVPs. For their hard work, leadership, and outstanding performance, Mira T. and Kevin S. took home the 2026 Winter Classic MVP awards. 

I spent so many nights dreaming of that day I would step back on court during winter classic and being able to fulfill that my senior year was just an overwhelming feeling of gratitude...I was not really working towards getting any of the rewards, I was merely trying to enjoy it all and really make every second on court and off court count. So, when I received the awards, it almost brought me to tears, as I saw my hard work and seasons of patience pay off.

Mira T. Winter Classic MVP, Captain of Varsity Girls Basketball Team

It was moving to see our players welcome and cheer for other teams throughout the tournament. The Varsity Girls, who were merely one point away from being champions themselves, went out of their way to pray with ICSV before games, cheer for them throughout the Weekend, and even at the Awards Ceremony, giving their heartfelt congratulations to them on winning the Championship title.

Cheering on someone makes them feel loved and those girls on that team are so loved by God, this was just a way to radiate how much we love them as well.

 

Once the final trophies and medals were handed out, the crowd burst into celebration again as the two championship winners, including our Varsity boys and their coaches, cut down the nets from the two baskets, keeping with basketball tradition. At the same time, our Varsity Girls and Dance Teams, students, and staff broke out their dance moves and turned the court into a dance floor. It was a beautiful sight and a powerful testimony to see our players place second with grace and win with humility.

Coming home with gold in the Winter Classic was the perfect capstone to my and my fellow seniors final season and I’m so proud to share it with them and the younger guys who have stepped up and played so well.

Cade N. Senior on Varsity Boys Basketball Team

 

Thank you to our amazing and dedicated coaches, Ms. Jessica Jenkins and Ms. Kate Smith for the girls, and Mr. Ryan Nolterieke,  Mr. Josh Payne, and Mr. Peter Lash for the boys. Thank you to our Varsity Girls and Boys teams for representing our school well by demonstrating dedication, sportsmanship, and Christ-like character on and off the court. Congratulations! We couldn't be prouder! Go Bulldogs!