Most high school teams don't just have one senior. Usually, a full roster of seniors line the floor, surrounded by their families on senior night. This year at Rowland Hall, boys’ basketball’s senior night meant something different. It meant Landen night. Landen Brady is the only senior on the boys' basketball team. While most graduating classes bring five or six seniors to the roster, this year it’s just him. And somehow, that makes his presence even bigger.

On the court, it is hard to miss him, as he is always the strongest player on both teams and gives 100% effort to get a rebound or finish a layup. When Landen scores, the entire student section erupts in unison, barking because Landen has that Dog in him. It has become a tradition. The same thing happens whenever his name is announced at the start of the basketball game. The gym fills with noise, and somehow he still jogs out the same way every time, calm and focused. What separates Landen from the rest of the players is not how loud the crowd gets but how quiet he remains.

According to head coach Zack Alvidrez, Landen is one of the best captains he has had, not because he gives big speeches or constantly calls people out, but because he leads by example. He is the hardest worker in the gym. He does the little things. He keeps the younger guys in check without embarrassing them. And when he does decide to speak up, people listen. Coach Alvidrez explained that when Landen talks, it carries weight. The team takes it seriously because they know he would not say it unless it mattered.

This kind of leadership is rare in a player, especially for someone who isn't the most vocal or loudest guy on the court, although he can be when he needs to. Landen averaged 14 points per game and almost 10 rebounds per game. He also averaged a block and a steal per game, creating a clear impact on both sides of the floor. On top of his on court dominance he has built his leadership through leading by example and showing up day in and day out. The younger boys clearly respect him because he shows them equal respect rather than thinking he is above them. Landen's leadership skills have been built through his dominance on the court, but most importantly, his respect.

Senior night, AKA Landen night, represented him perfectly. Photos of Landen lined the gym along with other messages from his teammates and coaches. Landen's night was different from the average senior night, but it felt right. Compared to last year's 8 seniors that walked across the floor to play their last home game, Landen walked across the court by himself with his teammates cheering on from the side. A night focused on a group of players turned into a whole night focused on one player who carries the leadership of a whole senior class. The Rowland Hall boys team lost in the quarterfinals of the 2A state tournament to South Sevier this past week. Landen hopes to continue playing in college, but regardless of what happens next, his impact here is already clear. He did not need a big class around him to leave a mark. He did not need to be the loudest voice in the locker room. He just needed to show up, work harder than everyone else, and lead in his own way. And this season, that has been more than enough.