Town cheers on State Champs


The streets were swept, gardens raked, banners hung, and all the municipal vehicles scrubbed to a sparkle for the official Boys Basketball Victory Parade from Besse Park to Town Hall on Saturday morning.
Police estimated about 1,200 people turned out to watch the parade, which included state and town officials, the Wareham High School cheerleaders, The Wareham High School Winter Guard, and a caravan of fire engines, ambulances, and municipal trucks competing to make the most noise with their horns or sirens.
At Town Hall, State Representative Susan William Gifford (R-Wareham) congratulated the players for not only their success on the court but also the impact that they had on bringing the community together.
"Thank you for doing this for our town," Gifford said.
Coach Kevin Brogioli thanked the fans for their support throughout the season.
"Not only do we have the best team in the State, we have the number one fans in the State," Brogioli announced to loud applause.
After the brief comments, players met with fans, showed off the State trophy, and autographed Vikings helmets, somewhat overwhelmed with the attention they were receiving.
"It's early in the morning, I thought that nobody would be here right now," said senior forward Jordan Rezendes. "This is real nice."
Rezendes said that they had a full schedule all weekend - dances were held both Friday and Saturday nights, and the school committee was throwing them a luncheon after the parade.
Senior co-captain Pat Murphy, who reached his 1,000th career point in the State Final victory, said the last week had been the perfect culmination of the season.
"It was amazing, the atmosphere at the game, having the whole team behind me [going for 1,000], the community support back home," said Murphy. "It's one of the best feelings a high-school athlete can have."