The basketball match-up between the Vero Beach and the Sebastian boys’ teams is a game local basketball fans circle in red on their calendars every year. Twice each season, the two teams duke it out in front of friends relatives and fans to claim basketball bragging rights for Indian River County.
Over the past decade the games between the two teams have provided excitement and a high level of competition in a community that prides itself on Shark blue and Fighting Indian red. Friday night’s contest was no exception with Vero Beach defeating Sebastian River 67-47 and capturing game one of two. But the final score only scratches the surface of what the rivalry represents.
Vero Beach resident Robbie Vaccaro considers himself a basketball fan and loves watching the rivalry game. “I’ve been to at least twenty of these Vero/Sebastian games and the rivalry is great,” Vaccaro said. “The energy, the fans, everyone gets into it – it’s a great battle. No one wants to lose the rivalry game so it’s like their playing for a championship.”
The majority of the fans in the stands Friday night either attended Vero Beach or Sebastian River or are relatives of someone that did. Sebastian River principal Todd Racine said that the rivalry game is great for the community.
“Around the state of Florida there’s not many counties that only have two high schools that have competing sports and it’s a great time for our county and our kids,” Racine stated. “A lot of the kids know each other, coaches know each other, teachers and parents and everyone gets together and it’s competitive and fun for everyone.”
The local ties are strong within the community but the game also draws some transplants as well. Minnesota native Gene Miles has been in the stands watching Fighting Indians basketball since 2000 and estimates that he has seen well over 150 games, but the rivalry game is what he waits for every season.
“This game is special because the people all live in the same county and every rivalry game you go to when they play each other is packed.” Miles said. “The fans are always into it and they stay until the end of the game. This rivalry ranks up there and I really enjoy it.”
Prior to tipoff, the John B. Witt gym buzzed with anticipation from both sides. Friends and family members made their predictions and then separated and settled into their respective sides of the gym. After the game those same folks dressed in Shark blue and Fighting Indian red searched out friends and family for the I told you so and the wait till we play at our place.
Is it possible for a high school basketball game to fiercely divide a community for 32 minutes and then ultimately bring it closer together?
In a word – yes.