Going Out a Champion

(From Part VI - The Midnight)

As the fourth and final quarter began, the Cougars could taste victory.  But they proved to be a little too anxious and allowed Twin Springs to rally back and again tie the score.  This quarter was really hard on the heart!  It became very physical.  At one point MJ was going in for a layup and ended up in the bleachers behind the basket.  That's when Coach Ellis stood up, threw his hands up in the air, and looked at the official as if to say, "Come on, man!  That was a flagrant foul!"  His reaction seemed to spark the Cougars and they played with even greater intensity, causing Twin Springs to turn the ball over several times during the last critical minutes of the game.  Jackie and Ed capitalized on the Titans' mistakes and scored six points each to clinch the game and the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, the first ever in the history of Surry County High School Basketball!  The final score was Surry County - 57; Twin Springs - 48.  Coach Ellis sat on the sideline with a towel to his face and he wept with joy.  The fans stormed to the court.  Cameras were flashing from every direction.  TV cameras were rolling and reporters were beginning to crowd around.  Coach Ellis arose from his seat, gathered his team, and led them toward the Titans' bench so they could shake their hands.  One reporter came to me to ask if I could explain how I was feeling at that time.  I was so emotional that my response was merely, "I can't talk right now!"  I turned and saw Ed coming toward me.  I ran to him and he picked me up off the floor as he kept saying, "I told you, baby; I told you!"  When he put me down, I tried to make my way through the crowd to my husband.  He saw me and came to meet me.  We hugged and cried.  All I could say was, "Thank You, God!"

Soon the crowd was silenced so the awards could be announced.  Joe sat in a chair on the sideline with his team.  I stood behind him with my arms around his neck.  Keion was beside me.  As Joe's name was called to receive the championship trophy, I hugged him tight and kissed him on his head.  He arose from the seat and walked on the court as if he felt no pain.  When the trophy was presented to him, Joe thrust it up high over his head.  That signature "Joe Ellis smile" was bigger and brighter than it had ever been.  He was a champion!  For that moment, he was able to forget about the cancer, the pain, the treatments, and his future.  He was the state champion!  The scripture that says, "God will give you the desires of your heart" kept coming to my mind.  Joe had previously said that these guys were a gift from God.  God, through these thirteen young men, gave Joe the desire of his heart, a state championship.