Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase Beaty’s eighth grade boys basketball team awarded during Monday’s city council meeting.

The Warren City Council took time during Monday’s monthly meeting to celebrate Beatty Middle School eighth-grade boys basketball team for its undefeated season.

The team recently finished the 2025-2026 season with a perfect 21-0 record, earning the junior high French Creek Valley Athletic Conference title. This is a high achievement which has been done very few times in the past. Their perfect season highlights not only their talent, but also their discipline, teamwork and determination.

“We want to recognize excellence whenever we see it,” said Mayor David Wortman. “And what this team accomplished this year is incredible.”

Head coach Steve Onuffer, who has coached basketball at multiple levels over the course of his career, reflected on the significance of the season and the character of his players.

“This might be one of the most talented groups I’ve ever coached,” said Onuffer.

Onuffer highlighted the team’s work ethic, commitment in practice and resilience in close games, including the championship matchup in which they had to defeat a strong opponent for the third time that season.

“To beat a good team twice is a tall task,” he said. “To beat them three times for a championship is huge.”

As the players prepare to take the next step in their athletic and academic careers, Onuffer said he is excited to watch their continued growth at the high school level over the next four years.