Senior Joe Micetich has worn the Coal City green, white and gold basketball uniform now for the last four seasons. He's seen the highs and lows of things as the Coalers have tried to take the next step up under coach Brad Boresi,

For the last to years, and even at the beginning of this season, the locals have struggled. Each of the last two postseasons before this one, the Coalers were one and done — worse yet, losing in the play-in game.

But something happened since last year - for that matter since the Plano Christmas Classic. It's seen the team turn around from a 5-8 start to 18 wins and a regional championship appearance.