By Bobby Narang
Just minutes before the tipoff of Hinsdale South High School’s boys Class 3A sectional semifinal home game against Benet Academy March 12, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) canceled the rest of the basketball season due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus epidemic).
Hinsdale South senior guard Billy Durkin, a Lewis University recruit, was one of many players crushed at the abrupt end of the season. The Hornets, at 30-3, were in the midst of the best season in program history, and were host to the sectional. The opportunity to play two playoff games at home, and defeat the Redwings was set to be a memorable three-day period for the Hornets.
Durkin, just like his teammates, struggled with the news. The three-year varsity player, though, did find a silver lining in the sudden end to the season.
A video image of Durkin, sitting at halfcourt in the empty gym, went viral and was shown on ESPN March 15.
“I just wish they showed a picture of the whole team,” Durkin said. “I felt bad it was just one person they were showing. That picture didn’t mean anything if I didn’t have all 14 of my teammates who made us the best team in school history. I wish Daeshawn (Amy), Aaron (Tims), James (Ruzicka), Bobby (Durkin) and the rest of the teams would’ve gotten recognized.
“What the coolest part is when I saw it live on SportsCenter. They didn’t tell us anything, just to watch it tonight. We didn’t know what that even meant. We were surprised it was the first one they showed, out of the thousands of submissions. We were like that was crazy, all my friends were talking about it. We grew up watching SportsCenter.”
Durkin admitted the moment was not scripted, for he was in deep thought about his career and accomplishments.
“I sat there thinking of all the good memories,” he said. “There was so much good stuff that happened, all the way back to my first game as as sophomore and running out on the court for the first time. All those memories came back at once.
“It didn’t bother me at all because I had no idea it was happening and that the camera was going. It was actually cool because it was such a raw moment. When I saw it, it threw me off-guard. I know it was not staged, it was just how I felt and raw. I put my heart out there. I probably sat there for 30 minutes. It was a tough moment.”
Benet head coach Gene Heidkamp said his team was totally caught off-guard by the end of the season.
“Everyone is on the same boat, but (that) night was especially difficult,” Heidkamp said. “We thought we were playing and were already in uniform. But you have to keep things in perspective. It’s a very scary time, but it doesn’t make things any easier for the seniors because their careers are finished. It was incredibly difficult for our team and seniors.
“I was at a loss for words. We went back to the school and I met with them. I had to first gather my thoughts before delivering my final message. We will meet again when we get back to school in a few weeks. You realize how meaningful (basketball) is to these kids. It was a powerful experience. These kids have invested so much. I’m proud of how they handled it.”