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The McLoud Redskins, 2021 district champions. Photo/Brian Blansett
The last time the McLoud Redskins were district basketball champions, most of the current players were still in diapers and some weren’t born yet.
That was 2004, but the streak ended Monday night when McLoud pulled off an intense 61-58 overtime win over Dickson.
Alas, the championship plaque didn’t arrive by game-time, but the Redskins were more than happy to celebrate with a sheet of paper proclaiming then district champs.
“It’s a huge deal to me,” said McLoud coach and McLoud native Tim Boyer. “And I know it’s a huge deal to life-long McLoudians.
“The last time we won a district championship, I was 11 years old and not really paying attention to basketball.”
McLoud hadn’t played in a month due to COVID and weather and had trouble getting in synch in the first half.
Dickson built an 8-point lead, but Collin Gibson sparked a comeback in the third quarter.
He had 10 of his 13 points in the third quarter and came up with a series of big steals in the fourth period.
McLoud had a chance to win on the last possession in regulation, but couldn’t convert.
Once into overtime, Luke Norwood and Tristan Crook put in buckets that put the Redskins ahead for good.
“I couldn’t be more proud, even though it wasn’t the prettiest win,” Boyer said. “They could have given up after being down eight at halftime, but they battled.
“I’d rather have an ugly win than a pretty loss any day.”
The Redskins hadn’t played since January 27, which Boyer said had an effect.
“I think it affects you a lot when you don’t play in a month,” he said. “We were rusty, even in the little things.”
Now it’s on to the regional tournament and a berth in the winners’ bracket.
The McLoud girls fell to Disckson, 44-32, and will go to the consolation round of the regional tournament.
It was the final home game for four-year starters Lexie Boyer and Cheyenne Banks.