WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Westerville North basketball head coach Shan Trusley knows exactly how it feels to be this close to the state championship title.

 “It's been 31 years since we've won a state championship and or played in a state championship game. And it's there's a lot of the nostalgia involved,” said Trusley. 

Trusley was an assistant coach the last time the team played in the state championship in 1994. He also played for Westerville North and graduated in 1988, so his love for the Warriors runs deep. 

“When you play at Westerville North, you’re playing for the for all the guys who played before you, you’re putting on the same uniform, playing in the same gym, on the same court,” said Trusley. 

His passion for this team’s growth goes beyond the court. His players look up to him as a role model. 

“Very caring person, always there for you could talk to him about anything on and off the court,” said Westerville North senior, Tai Perkins. 

“I think he helps us get better at basketball and become better people overall. I feel like he teaches us the right way to act and what to say and what to do,” said Westerville North senior, Nolan Fedak. 

Trusley believes fostering relationships with the players off the court contributes to their success on the court and in their personal lives. 

“Basketball is important, but it’s a small piece of their journey. And, you know, we just like spending that time off the court to developing those relationships,” said Trusley. 

Trusley is proud of this team, but the amount of the support from the school and the community is what’s bringing a lot of excitement to the weekend. 

“Win or lose, it is going to be a community celebration,” said Trusley.