TATUM, Texas (KLTV) - An East Texas community is energized as their high school basketball team moves on to the state championship tournament.
Students at Tatum schools were released early on Thursday, as attention turned to support for their basketball team, which is going to the state tournament.
“This is every kid’s dream. It doesn’t matter what sport it is. To get to play in the championship game, that’s why kids do it. It’s why coaches coach,” said Tatum High School Basketball Coach Brett Carr.
There was an air of excitement among the students and residents over the state title game their team will play in on Friday.
“Tatum’s thrilled. We’re super excited about this basketball game. Go Tatum!” said one hometown fan.
Business owners have been caught up in the excitement of a possible championship.
“Yes, we have a lot of people, coaches and students. It’s a big deal. It’s great. It’s not every day that you get to play for a state championship,” said Emily Betts, owner of Color Me Crazy Salon in Tatum.
The team roared through the season with a 31-and-2 record.
“Man, we looked at our schedule, and it was a juggernaut. It seemed like every good team in our region was stacked against us. Our kids really had to just claw and scrape to make it here,” Carr said.
“Well, we’ve made it to the playoffs before, but not as far,” said another fan.
They have the intangible skill of finding ways to win.
“Our kids have been very resilient this year. Seems like they found a way to win,” the coach said.
Tatum will take on Columbus High Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. for the Division 1, Class 3A Championship.