On one side, St. John’s players and fans were celebrating a state basketball championship with laughter and joy.
All-stater Dean Wade and his Tigers survived an intense battle with rival Central Plains in a hotly-contested championship game that swung back and forth.
The Tigers’ defense was good enough on a night when points were hard to come by.
St. John coach Clint Kinnamon led the Tigers to three consecutive state titles by perfectly employing a team-oriented style behind an all-state player.
Wade showed his immense talent and poise under intense pressure with Kansas State coach Bruce Weber watching his every move.
The Kansas State-bound Wade showed his best moves in post-game when he politely and professionally honored dozens of requests for photos and autographs. Wade showed maturity and patience beyond his years.
On the other side, the Central Plains Oilers were dealing with a missed opportunity two hours after celebrating a girls state basketball championship.
It’s natural the Oilers’ disappointment was greeted with tears and pain. They’d given St. John everything they could handle to come up just a bit shy.
Emotions ran at a fever pitch as the Oilers attempted a sweep of the Class 2A state basketball championships.
Had a break or the bounce of the basketball gone their way, the Oilers would’ve accomplished their feat. The Oilers were literally a play away from securing a monumental surprise.
Oiler Nation was proud of back-to-back state championships by the girls. Coach Pat Stiles expertly directed the Oilers in an unselfish, team-oriented style.
They should also be justifiably proud of their boys. They offered no excuses and gave proper credit to a great state champion from St. John.
But it was the Oilers who pushed the Tigers to their greatness.

Jim Misunas