BRISTOL — Over the last few years, the Bristol Eastern Lancers have steadily improved each season. As sophomores, the current senior class finished 4-16, but as juniors they managed to break into the state tournament.
This season, the Lancers took another big leap as they advanced to the Division IV quarterfinals after posting a 16-4 regular season. Despite Bristol Eastern falling to Innovation in their final game, the Lancers walked away successful.
Along with the team success came individual success as two Lancers were named All-Central Connecticut Conference. Senior Lukas Sward and junior Zaveyn Tate were vital to the success of the Lancers this season.
Sward said being named All-CCC was an important milestone in his basketball career. He said to be recognized as one of the best players in the league validates the love and passion that he has for the game.
“It felt great,” Sward said. “It was always a goal. I knew I could have gotten it last year, but I didn't get it so I was pretty disappointed. That just led to me working harder in the off season to accomplish that goal and it feels great because this was like my first ever personal basketball award I've received in my high school career. It was really a great feeling. I was grateful.”
Being named All-CCC is just one part of the recognition that he received in his senior season. Sward was also selected to play in the All-Star game Wednesday at Morgan High School.
He said he’s excited to showcase his talent amongst the rest of the top players in Divisions III, IV and V.
“It's another great accomplishment. I didn't even know it was a thing really, but it feels good,” he said. “It just goes back to the work that I put in during the off season and I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun, especially playing with some of my friends that I played AAU with.”
Sward’s basketball career won’t end Wednesday as the Bristol Eastern Lancers point guard will be heading to play Division III basketball at Vermont State University Johnson.
He said after going through the recruiting process he picked Vermont State Johnson based on the relationship that he created with head coach Alfred Johnson. He said his choice of schools came down to the University of Maine at Farmington, Vermont State University Castleton and Vermont State University Johnson.
“This was really the best fit for me,” Sward said. “I'm excited. I know I have to keep putting in the work in the off season. I have to especially hit the gym and the weight room. That's really what I'm looking forward to, but I'm just excited. I can't wait to play because I just love basketball.”
Sward said as he and the rest of his senior class head onto the next level they are leaving behind a team that is going to be competitive next season. He said with Tate specifically, he’s only going to get better next season.
“He's really like the glue guy of the team. He did everything. He scored. He got the boards. He was probably one of our best on ball defenders,” Sward said. “He's a really hard worker. So he's going to be good. He's going to have a great year next year. I already know it.”
Tate on the other hand praised the hard work, effort and leadership of Sward and the rest of the senior class.
“They brought a lot to the team,” Tate said. “They're a big piece that we're losing.”
Tate said with all of the team success this season as well as to receive the All-CCC honor is validation as well as motivation for next year.
“It felt good. All my hard work in the off season and all my work during the season paid off,” he said. “We worked a lot in the off season and we all got closer and that helped us on the court and it helped us get our good record this year. We got a taste of the tournament. We know what we have to do in the off season and we're just trying to get to the sun.”
