The Madill Wildcats continued to bring honor to the little town they call home in pursuit of the state title. Residentsofthetowncheered the ‘Cats on in Oklahoma City as they battled against the Tuttle Tigers on February 23, defeated Tecumseh on February 24, and took revenge against Broken Bow on February 25.
Those who could not make the drive up to the city cheered from home through thelivestreamandsentsweet messages of encouragement for the team. The Lake County Conference champions’ hardworkanddedication all weekend culminated in winning the Regional Consolation Championshipgame Saturday.
The Wildcats played hard against tough competition forcing them into a must-win situation for the remainder of the games that will be played. MHS boys fell to Tuttle 31 to 62, but the team quickly rebounded from this hurdle andshowedwhytheygothere in the first place by winning the next couple games.
Madill beat Tecumseh 60 to 39 during the regional tournament. They led at the end of the first half 20 to 13 . A last second layup widened the distance in score. Cruising offense and brilliant rebounds allowed them to start the 4th quarter with a whopping 21-point advantage. TheWildcatsleadnever faltered;theyendedthegame with a score of 60-39 and a ticket to play Broken Bow the following night.
Point Guard Andrew Ray attributes the team’s success to their close family-like unit.
Senior RJ Morris said he is proud of the team.
“One of the best parts of playing for MHS is the brotherhood that we have built as the season goes on,” Ray said. “We are one big family that continues to grow.”
Morris showed his gratitude to the coaches.
“Coach Weiberg has helped me become a better player and better person. I alsohavethebestteammates who support us and are loud at every game, we most certainly have the best bench,” Morris noted. “Finally, I enjoy the crowd that comes out in our new gym and is with us through everything. Their support does not go unnoticed.”
Madill faced Broken Bow for the chance to advance to the area tournament. Broken Bow beat Madill’s boys in January, but this time, the tables were turned. The MadillWildcatsbumpedBroken Bow off the bracket and proudly took the plaque for regional consolation championship with their win on February 25.
Madill led the first half 2013. Morris scored 17 points for the ‘Cats, Ethan Wilkerson, who has surpassed the 1500-point mark as a junior, ended the game with a slam dunk with two seconds left of the game. The move sent the crowd roaring and savoring the last couple seconds of the game with glee. Fans were on pins and needles watching the game, but the work the team has put in was on display again with a 55 to 40 victory for the Madill High School Wildcats.
Morris said he and his fellow Wildcats never gave up.
“We bounced back after taking a hard loss against Tuttle,” Morris said. “I am super proud of how we competed and never gave up. FridayandSaturdaywewere a whole different team and that’s who we are. It is going to take everything we have to keep going.”
The team left it all on the court. Critics can try to beat Brandon Jack’s school spirit, but he has been solidified as a MHS icon for a reason. The Madill alumnus has shined brightly working Madill Public Schools longer than any of the kids on the field. His excitement about the games is contagious. Fans cannot help but smile wider and cheer louder. Jacks sent some words of encouragement for the team for the remainder of the games.
“I’m extremely fortunate to be around our talented student-athletes at Madill High School on a daily basis,” Jacks said. “I don’t take that for granted. It’s always exciting when Madill wins, especially in the playoffs. The goal of any team should be to continue to get better as the season progresses.”
“Getting better doesn’t always translate to wins and that’s fine,” Jacks continued. “Sports teaches you life lessons one cannot get from a textbook or computer laptop. It feels exhilarating to support Madill teams that represent our school and communityinapositivemanner. There are tremendous people that have staunchly supported our Madill teams through the decades. I am just one of many.”
This is the first time Madill has advanced to the areatournamentsincespring 2014. The Wildcats’ season record is 22-4.
Madill proudly boasts three state tournament appearances: the 1960 state championship, 1996 state runner-up and 2009 quarterfi nalist. Since Head Coach Brett Weiberg came onboard in May 2018, the boys have won the Lake Country Conference twice (2019/2020 season and the current season). The Wildcats are currently 78-43 under Weiberg.