De La Salle’s Bryant Hedrick knows one day does not a season make. But this one did. ‘The coaches took us on a trip.’

Junior guard Bryant Hedrick pinpointed the difference this season for De La Salle. And truth be told, it all began on a day that had very little to do with the game of basketball.

While it was just one day, the impact lasted all winter.

“The coaches took us on a trip,” Hedrick said. “We didn’t even play or practice. We went on the bus and took a trip and played video games like NBA 2K.

“The team learned how to have fun and play together.”

Together, the Meteors reached the Class 3A De La Salle Sectional semifinals, a season that ended Tuesday night with a 49-40 loss to Catholic League rival Fenwick in Chicago.

The 5-foot-11 Hedrick came up big in the second quarter, scoring all 10 of his points as De La Salle (22-12), the Catholic League White champion, went on a dazzling run.

It took time, but Hedrick adjusted to his reserve role.

“I started some games last year and earlier this year,” he said. “But now, I like to come off the bench and bring that kind of insane energy.

“I like to score, dribble or handle the ball. I came into the game with a lot of confidence and did whatever the coaches wanted.”

Although the playoffs ended in bittersweet fashion, with a loss on their home floor, the Meteors had gone 9-3 in their last 12 games.

Hedrick’s mindset going in was simple.

“I just tried to come out and put the pressure on them,” he said. “Our coaches just told us to come out harder than them and be ready to play.”

Despite strong play off the bench by Hedrick and strong leadership from senior point guard Anthony Davis, De La Salle was doomed by an inability to execute in the second half.

The Meteors scored just six points over the final 10 minutes. Junior forward Richard Lindsey finished with a team-best 13 points.

The loss marked the final game for Davis, a four-year player and connective thread for the returning talent and newcomers under first-year coach Gary DeCesare.

Davis delivered six points, four assists and three steals Tuesday.

“My role has evolved a lot during these four years,” he said. “I am the point guard, and it is my role to get everybody else involved.

“I knew it was my job to come out here and take it upon myself to lead this team, especially since we have so many young guys, freshmen and sophomores.”

Davis’ 3-pointer at the start of fourth quarter provided a burst the Meteors could not sustain.

His quickness and speed, however, created a downhill and open style that flourished in transition while setting up the attack.

“I like to get out and run,” Davis said. “I’m very fast, so I like to pass the ball and get out in space.”

On top of that, Davis’ maturity and leadership manifested itself through his mentoring with younger players like Hedrick.

“He’s like my little brother,” Davis said. “I remember when he first came here and he was shadowing me.

“I’d be out on the court with him, and it has been an amazing thing to see him develop the way that he has.”

That camaraderie and friendship propelled the team forward, according to Davis.

“Everybody on our team is a great person,” he said. “Nobody is against criticism or anything like that. We can talk to each other and know we have to do better.

“When we started doing that, that is when we started to get more wins.”

Davis is one of just three seniors ready for the next stage of his life, but Hedrick will be back next season for De La Salle.

“I like passing the ball and I like seeing my team grow,” he said. “This is just our start.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.