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Crispus Attucks boys' basketball team to compete in first state title game since 1959

Posted at 9:46 PM, Mar 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-22 02:58:08-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Crispus Attucks Tigers defeated the Evansville Bosse Bulldogs on Saturday to advance to their first state title game in almost 60 years.

“I think it’s going to be crazy,” said Crispus Attucks Senior Guard Zac Owens. “It’s always pretty lit here during home games, so I can’t imagine what it’s going to be at banker’s life.”

It’s a bit of a Cinderella story for the Indiana high school boys’ basketball team, but it’s not their first.

Crispus Attucks was the first all-black high school team in the nation to win a state championship in 1955. The school went on to win championships again in 1956 and 1959. The 1956 team was also the first Indiana high school team to complete an undefeated season.

But 1959 would be the last state championship tournament the boys of Crispus Attucks would see for the next 58 years.

Fast forward to 2017.

The team came into the season with two sectional titles over the past three years and a new head coach, Chris Hawkins, who was ready to push them to new levels. 

“There’s the history, the legacy,” said Coach Hawkins. “We’re just trying to keep it as normal as possible for them… we just want the kids to relax and have fun with it and embrace the moment.”

Win or lose on Saturday; this season has been a long time coming. Not just for the players, but for the last 58 years of Crispus Attucks alumni as well. 

“I expect to see a lot of green and gold, a lot of alumni,” said Coach Hawkins. “My phone has been ringing off the hook just with numbers of alumni calling to wish us good luck.”

The Attucks will take on Twin Lakes at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.