WASHINGTON – February 7th was a special night at Torry Gym, as the Washington girls basketball team celebrated their annual Senior Night.
For most of the last three seasons – this year included –, the Panthers’ class of 2026 have been the main attraction. However, their two seniors, Gabby Meischner and Brooklyn Bowman, have proven to be key contributors to the team as well.
“They are both extremely committed to our program and have experience in game situations,” head coach Kim Barth said. “They know their roles and push teammates to get better everyday.”
During pregame, Meischner and Bowman were invited out to center court to get a standing ovation from the crowd, and postgame, a celebration with food and friends was also held. It seemed to be quite the night for the two, both physically and emotionally.
“Senior night felt a little surreal for me because it made me realize that these next few weeks are my last that I will ever get with basketball, so it has made me appreciate every day that I have left,” Meischner said.
“This team and program, starting our freshman year, has always been such a welcoming environment and it immediately felt like a family,” Bowman added. “So finally being that senior getting to be celebrated was just an amazing experience.”
After a dominant 53-31 win against Canton, including junior Mazzy O’Brien scoring 25 points, the Panthers headed back to the locker room to celebrate their victory. However, it dawned on them that there was a bit of emotion in the air.
“Gabby and Brooklyn have been amazing team players and add so much energy and positivity to our team, so it was sad in the locker room after the game,” O’Brien said.
Senior Night wasn’t the only special thing to happen in the win over the Little Giants, as it marked Washington’s program record 29th win. Four days later, they won their 30th of the season in a 67-50 win over Morton to win the Mid-Illini Conference title outright.
Bowman and Meischner aren’t typically the first names seen on the final scoresheet but that doesn’t mean they haven’t contributed to Washington’s record-breaking season. Nor does it mean they’re enjoying their final ride any less.
“This team has made history in numerous ways a couple different times this season and just getting to be a part of it all is amazing,” Bowman said.
“At the beginning of the season, we set some pretty big goals, and it is very exciting that we are starting to accomplish some of them along with other things that weren’t even on that list,” Meischner said.
If things break right, the Panthers will continue to make even more history, as they start regionals on Monday against Mid-Illini rival Metamora.
Tune in: Watch CSM’s broadcast of Washington vs. Metamora on Monday live and for free on ciproud.com
Fortunately for the team, it will be in front of the Panther faithful in Washington, as their regional will be hosted at Torry Gym. Barth and the players are very excited for this matchup and to play a playoff game in front of their home crowd.
“It’s really cool that we get to play regionals on our home court knowing that we will be able to have our whole community there to support us,” O’Brien said. “Seeing the stands filled with people there for us is one of the best feelings.”
Even though it will be exciting to have lots of fans in attendance for the game, the team also realizes what’s at stake.
“We are excited for this next chapter, but also realize everyone is 0-0 and anyone can beat anyone any given day,” Barth said. “Our kids have risen to the occasion throughout the season so we are excited about this next chapter of our story.”
Fortunately for the seniors, they get at least one final game at Torry Gym, and they will hope to make the most of it alongside their friends and teammates.
And if all goes to plan, Meischner and Bowman’s last high school games won’t come at Torry Gym either.
“It’s great to get to play our regional at home because we’ve been practicing on that court every day for the past three months, so we will be playing in a very familiar environment for us,” Meischner said.
“Senior night was so fun, but it relieved a lot of the pressure knowing it was not going to be the very final game on our home floor,” Bowman said.
“This season, though, we have been at different locations many more times than we have been playing on our floor, so no matter where we are, I think as long as we are focused the second we step into the gym, it isn’t going to change the outcome.”
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