“Our team is close as brothers,” said Luke Peffer, a senior at Merritt High School. This sense of camaraderie defines Peffer’s basketball experience and has been crucial to the team’s success. “We get along like brothers, we hang out on the weekends.” This bond fuels Luke’s motivation as both a leader and teammate, creating a solid foundation for their 2024 season.
Luke moved to Merritt in the fourth grade, the same time he began playing basketball. “I started playing when I was young because all my friends played, but then I fell in love with the game,” he recalled. He grew up watching his sister play, which inspired him to pursue the sport, but his biggest inspiration came from watching the 2017 Merritt boys’ team. “Watching them play at state and being so excited just made me want to feel that level of accomplishment.”
For his senior season, Luke’s goal is clear: “win a state championship. No one believed that we were any good. We went unranked all season but still made the state tournament, so I want to prove everyone wrong again.” His relentless work ethic reflects this determination. “I wake up in the morning before school and shoot 500 shots. Then I do weight training, team practice, and later that night I do a second workout taking more game-like shots.”
Luke has faced adversity along the way. “I had a severe ankle injury two games before playoffs and was afraid I would miss the rest of the season, but I did as much recovery as possible and made it back for the first game.” Overcoming challenges has been part of his journey, and his proudest moment was becoming the top scorer on a state tournament team. “Getting the chance to play in the Big House was a dream my teammates and I had always dreamed of.”
The Merritt community plays a vital role in his success. “Community is one of my favorite things about Merritt. People show out for all our games. When we beat the number 3 team in 2A in regionals, it felt like every student was in the student section, and we couldn’t have won without them.”
Luke plans to continue playing basketball in college and pursue a degree in biology to become a veterinarian. His advice to younger athletes? “Make it your dream to be the best you possibly can and work every day. Just be grateful that you get the chance to play.”
