Lions roar to third trophy in last four years
The Biggersville Lions are rewriting the script in Mississippi 1A basketball. For the third time in the last four years, they’ve hoisted the championship trophy, defeating McAdams 45-41 in a nail-biting finish at the Mississippi Coliseum.
This victory adds another chapter to the Lions’ already impressive legacy. It’s their fifth state title overall, the most recent coming in 2022. But here’s the kicker: Biggersville is also the reigning football state champion, making them the first school since Philadelphia (1992-1993) to achieve this coveted double.
Coach Cliff Little, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the fight in their opponents. “The lead never felt comfortable,” he admitted. “The ball just wasn’t bouncing our way, but these guys dug deep and found a way to win.”
McAdams drew first blood with a quick 7-0 run, but the Lions clawed their way back, closing the gap to 10-8 by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter proved pivotal. Biggersville outscored the Bulldogs 21-9, fueled by a dominant 10-3 run to start the period. They entered halftime with a commanding 34-24 lead.
McAdams refused to go down without a fight. They stormed back in the third with a 6-0 run, but Biggersville held firm, extending their lead to 40-33 by the final frame.
The drama intensified in the fourth. McAdams unleashed an 8-1 run, tying the game at 41-41 with just under three minutes left. But the Lions wouldn’t be denied. They secured the final four points, including a clutch free throw by Brooks Seago with mere seconds remaining, to seal the victory.
Tre Gunn, the game’s MVP, led Biggersville with 16 points. “We knew shots wouldn’t always fall,” he said. “We focused on staying disciplined, attacking the rim, and playing tough defense. That’s what won it for us.”
Senior Jathan Hall echoed Gunn’s sentiments. “This one feels special,” he shared. “It’s my senior year, and being champions never gets old.”
Biggersville’s triumph is a testament to their unwavering grit and Coach Little’s championship pedigree. They’ve established themselves as a powerhouse in 1A basketball, and with their hunger for victory seemingly insatiable, the Lions’ roar is likely to resonate for years to come.
