End of an era: Teutopolis boys basketball 2023 season finishes a 10-year run as teammates
TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. — For the Teutopolis community, an era of basketball came to an end with the close of the 2023 season. Caleb Bloemer, Brendan Niebrugge, James Niebrugge, Logan Roepke and Caleb Siemer shared the court for 10 years, from third grade to their senior year at Teutopolis High School. Not only did they build a bond that shaped their game, it also shaped the way they see each other and the community.
“It’s been a great ride with these four, and all the other people that have played with us,” said Caleb Siemer. “I’m just going to miss playing with these guys on the court.”
As early as Junior High, the boys set a path of playing compelling basketball. During their seventh grade year, they advanced to second place in the State Championship, giving them a goal for the next season.
“We had the highest expectations of us in seventh grade and I feel like we lived up to them the next year with taking first place,” said James Niebrugge.
Caleb Bloemer noted one reason for their win could have been their familiarity with each other’s playing style. “We have no fear with each other, since we’ve been playing since third grade. We lay it all out on the line,” he said.
Caleb Siemer remembered the community’s reaction to winning that game. “Emotions are always high when winning a game. Celebrating with the crowd and bringing home a State Championship for the Junior High was a good feeling.”
The boys credited their Junior High coach, Kent Niebrugge who is also James’ father, with helping them prepare for their basketball careers.
“Starting at a young age, I feel like the skills he taught us were a step ahead of everyone else,” said Logan Roepke. “I feel like we were always kind of a step above the competition.”
It was during their younger years playing that the teammates first learned how much the Teutopolis community supports the basketball teams.
“People that aren’t even family members are coming out and supporting us,” Logan said. “People that come to every single game that only come because they just love T-town basketball and watching us play – it’s just cool to see a big variety of people (at the games).”
From the fans at games to their coaches giving them unique incentives to reach goals, the team learned that they had a strong support system.
“My favorite memory from Junior High was when Assistant Coach Repking promised us that if we made it to the state tournament, he’d get a buzz cut and let us have a chance to buzz his hair,” Logan said.
Brendan Niebrugge also picked up on some of the coaching strategies during his Junior High years. “I feel like (Coach Niebrugge’s) basketball IQ kind of rubbed off on me. We would always go back and forth during a game about what we should run and what might come up next,” he said.
The friends talked about transitioning to high school and how the new status and school changed their view of the game.
“It was a big step,” James Niebrugge said of no longer having his father as his coach. “It was going to be different, but I knew I would always have that coaching aspect in my basketball career.”
They talked about learning the expectations and style of a new coach. As the athletes adapted to a new format, they remembered that hard work and battling in practices and during games would earn them another chance at state.
One game especially loomed in their future and the teammates were eager to have their chance at the so-called Super Sectional curse. The team played the Super Sectional in Carbondale during their Junior year and came home with a loss. The last time the Wooden Shoes won a Super Sectional was 2007. The team was ready to break the curse.
“It seemed like the first time was kind of a warm up,” said James Niebrugge. “We got to see what it was like and when we went down this year, we put it all together and figured out how to overcome our curse down there.”
The 2023 Super Sectional proved to be a must-see game, with a last-minute steal by James Niebrugge to secure the Wooden Shoes win.
“One bucket at the end of the game brought everyone into it – it was great to see that energy,” James said. “The final steal right before the buzzer and then everybody stormed the court. It just shows that everyone is so invested in how we play; they just want to see us win.”
While the thrill of that win was one for the T-town history books, the players agreed that nothing beats the feeling of stepping onto their court at home. “I’d say it’s probably the best home court atmosphere in the state,” said Brendan Niebrugge.
From Rich Niebrugge pumping up the crowd and the band playing, to the younger Wooden Shoes lining up to get high fives and the Shoe Box full of their peers, the boys agreed that a home game is really something to experience.
Unexpected plays turn games into legends. The team also knows the value of a well versed defense.
“Defense is a big part of the game and basically determines if you win or lose,” said Caleb Bloemer.
Logan Roepke agreed. “Last year Coach Reeder emphasized that on a basketball team, you have heroes and soldiers. I feel like I definitely took the soldier role,” he said. Logan explained that soldiers do whatever they can to distract the other team so the heroes can find a shot. “Just do anything to help your team without doing too much.”
The Super Sectional win meant that the Wooden Shoes would have a chance to play at University of Illinois for the State Championship.
“Knowing that you’re playing on the court where Big Ten basketball is played; that you’re playing on the court where guys that play in the NBA have played – and knowing that you get to be watched on TV; it’s a cool feeling,” James Niebrugge said.
The Wooden Shoes brought home a Third Place finish from State, winning their final game at 29-8. While the state title eluded them this year, the boys had only positive things to say about their experience.
“It meant a lot to all five of us, winning our final game. That was a big factor for us bringing home third place,” said Caleb Siemer. “Bringing that home to the community is always nice.”
“We don’t get to play together anymore, so knowing that we went out with a win was good,” said Brendan Niebrugge.
The team returned to Teutopolis and received an outpouring of support from their family and friends. On a cold Sunday, community members lined the streets to welcome them home. A ceremony followed at the J.H. Griffin Gym at Teutopolis High School, where March 12 was declared Wooden Shoes Basketball Day.
“I think we’ve made a huge impact on this community,” said Caleb Bloemer. “People, no matter how old they are, will always remember that we were one of four teams that placed at state.”
As the final moments of their career as Wooden Shoes came to a close, the teammates reflected on their time together, on the court and as friends.
“Even in close games, we’d still find a way to laugh and have fun on the court,” said Brendan Niebrugge. “We’d also find a way to win most of those games too, so that was always a good memory.”
Caleb Siemer, who received second team All-State honors, remembered that he didn’t get there alone. “It’s always a great feeling knowing that the state is recognizing me as a player, but I couldn’t do it without these guys and the other teammates we had,” he said. “They improved my game every time I went out on the court with them.”
They all credited their Coach, Chet Reeder, for pushing them to improve each season. He worked with the players during the off-seasons and pushed them to do their best during practices and games. He also balanced that drive with making sure the players were on good terms – on and off the court.
“He’s been a good role model and even outside of basketball, he’s cared for us. He and his family have welcomed us into their home and he’ll always care for us,” said Caleb Bloemer.
With graduation behind them, each of the five players is focused on the next stage. Caleb Bloemer is headed to Georgia to attend Southeast Lineman Training Center. Brendan Niebrugge plans to attend Lake Land College and then transfer to SIU-Edwardsville. James plans to continue his basketball career and study diesel technology, but is undecided on what college he will attend. Logan Roepke is headed to Rend Lake to play baseball. Caleb Siemer is undecided, hoping to continue his athletic career and most likely attend a junior college.
The years these five put in on the court will no doubt serve them well, no matter where they end up. Through their more than 200 games, they learned discipline, the importance of teamwork, the dynamics of relationships and the value of building trust with others. They leave behind a legacy that many younger Wooden Shoes are eager to follow.
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