It was a sad Saturday night when the Archbold boys varsity basketball team fell in the Division III regional final. Even so, everyone is proud of the boys and the fans.

Obviously, everyone was disappointed, and it showed on many faces.

The Blue Streaks defeated 23 teams throughout the 2010-2011 season and were bested only once before being toppled by Columbus Africentric. And, right down to the fourth quarter, the Streaks showed they could hang with the Nubians.

Everyone is proud of the boys’ sportsmanship on and off the court, which reflects well on the community.

The Streaks have also proven themselves winners beyond the basketball court. They showed they have the hearts of champions while raising money for the family of cancer patient Maddy Lambert. Shaving their heads in solidarity with Maddy, who is fighting for her life, was above and beyond what anyone would expect of today’s youth.

Archbold students, whether they’re athletes, in the FFA, band, National Honor Society, or any of the school’s other organizations, have bright futures. They will be leaders wherever they go.