Stepsisters

Nick Rotter

Class of 2024

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In the madness of March is where dreams take flight.

A Cinderella team to many

Their championship goals grow heavy

As they are bathed in the spotlight.

Sneakers laced with hope, on the hardwood they dance.

A team unassuming, given one last chance

Not a glass slipper, but sneakers that bear a burden

As fans purchase tickets to the show, to open the curtains.

As the buzzer sounds, the clock ticks past midnight

But there are no closing hours to the fight.

Like Cinderella, with shoes untied,

They face their stepsisters with hearts beaming with pride.

Bracket to bracket busted left and right

Their camaraderie shines in the arena’s bright light.

Minimal funding, lackluster facilities, and fun-size giants

But hearts bigger than those of lions.

Confidence some may deem unreasonable, unwarranted, and unaware

However, the doubt and hate is nothing new in the air.

A slipper so delicate, a glass design,

Mirroring hopes of a trophy, they shine.

Cinderella danced to a midnight chime

While underdogs play their game against the prime.

A pumpkin chariot or a coach of dreams

Nothing is as simple as it may seem.

In the dance of madness, where dreams intertwine

On the grand stage, where legends set sail

The magic of March ignites a flame

And against the odds, they continue to shine

Despite the brand deals and the viral fame.

After all, they are just a Cinderella team, stoking the March fire.

The clock may strike, the final whistle may blow

Yet Cinderella’s magic and underdog’s triumph glow.

How could they not prevail?

Take advantage and avail.

This is their One Shining Moment.

With a stroke of midnight or the game’s last jumpshot,

They teach us that potential lies within

Whether a pumpkin or a tournament to win.

So here’s to the underdogs, the dreamers, the bold,

In March’s embrace their story is told.

On the big screen, we watch their dreams unfold.

They shine even brighter than the diamonds on their bands of gold.