Published: March 24, 2008 09:28 pm            

Top dogs: Brownsburg wins first basketball state championship

BROWNSBURG, Ind. — Every dog has its day, but it was the Bulldogs who owned Saturday, claiming Brownsburg High School’s first men’s basketball state championship in a last-second thriller at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Butler-bound senior Gordon Hayward dropped in a last-second lay-up to give Brownsburg (22-5) the 40-39 win over Class 4A foe Marion, triggering celebrations in mass among the school’s roughly 3,000 students, faculty, and staff.

Monday marked a return to normalcy for the team, which was unranked going into the state tournament, though it still seems as if the celebration is only just beginning.

“Today is just a great celebration here at Brownsburg,” coach Josh Kendrick said. “It’s neat to get back to school and share the accomplishments of this special team. We’ve got great kids.”

Players say they have been greeted at every corner by well-wishers and that they are grateful for the community’s support.

“We’ve got a bunch of congratulations ... ‘I can’t believe the shot went in’ ... ‘You’re my hero’ ... and stuff like that,” Hayward said. “I don’t know how much better it could have been.”

Sophomore forward Kurtis Runyon said that fan support was a big factor down the stretch.

“We have one of the best crowds in the state,” he said.

Kendrick added that he too was grateful for the support of Bulldog fans.

“The support from the community has been outstanding,” he said. “It’s a true compliment to the people in this community and to these kids.”

Brownsburg High School has announced plans for a community night at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the school’s fieldhouse. Team members will be on hand to sign autographs and express their gratitude.

“They really don’t know how much they mean to us and to me in my four years here,” Hayward said. “I would just say thanks for everything.”

While a special moment, it’s clear that Kendrick still has high expectations for his student-athletes both on and off the basketball floor.

“This has to be a highlight, but it can’t be the only highlight,” he said.

But for now, players and coaches will continue to savor their well-earned success. After cleaning out their basketball lockers on Monday, many found it difficult to even leave the locker room.





Brian Kern writes for the Hendricks County Flyer in Avon, Ind.

        

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