SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio’s Cole High School hadn’t won a basketball state title since 1989. The Cougars were returning to the Alamodome – the place where a championship opportunity suddenly ended one year earlier.
In the back of Trey Blackmore’s mind was the very historical significance of this game.
“We’ve got to finish it now,” said Blackmore. “We actually have the game right here at our fingertips, so we’ve just got to go out there and win it.”
The Cougars finally got their state title, defeating Tatum in the Class 3A championship game. The trophy and the smiles said it all.
It was a celebration that replaced the shock on that same floor one year earlier.
“Our heart was set on winning a state championship last year. It's kind of like a storybook ending,” said Cole coach, Noe Cantu.
But it's a story without one of last year’s main characters. Former Cougar, Vince Iwuchukwu, transferred to an Indiana prep school in August after playing two years on varsity at Cole.
“I miss it. I do, I won’t lie,” Iwuchukwu said. “I grew up with these guys since 7th grade and it’s like already junior year, going to senior year. It’s great watching these guys. Win or lose, I’m gonna be with them.”
Iwuchukwu was back cheering on his teammates during the state tournament.
“It just shows the camaraderie and the family that we have at Cole,” said Blackmore. “No matter where you are, you’re always gonna be a Cougar if you come here. He’s never left us in our heart.”
This was a sentiment reinforced by Cantu in his pep talk before the championship game.
“They really wanted to play in this game and I felt for them because they didn't get this opportunity. I just wanted our guys to make the most of this opportunity to play for those guys,” Cantu said.
The team is hopeful for not one, but two championship seasons.
“We know we’ve got to try to go and do it again, because we are young, and we have more guys coming back,” Blackmore said.
And there’s the possibility of a third chapter and the return of Iwuchukwu.
“Me being here, I feel like it still feels like I’m part of the program,” Iwuchukwu said. “We’ll see, I might be back here next year.”