Carver Basketball Wins the 6A State Championship
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By Ben Bolton
BIRMINGHAM, AL— The Carver Wolverines came away with it’s fourth basketball state title on Saturday with a comeback win against Huntsville’s Lee High School.
Even when down 10 points to start the 4th period, Carver coach James Jackson had faith, remembering what his players promised the night before to grieving teammate Marlon Davidson, who’s mom, Cynthia Carter, passed away earlier in the week.
“I sat here and listened to these guys at dinner tell Marlon that we’re going to bring it home,” said Jackson. “And I was looking at them, and they sounded really convincing on this thing. And they were.”
Senior guard and leader on the team, Brandon Austin, said that it was a promise the team took to heart.
“That was on our mind all day, because they put his momma to rest today,” said Austin, Alabama signee. “We talked about it. We prayed about it right before the game. That was big on us and our team.”
Fulfilling that promise to Marlon seemed daunting with the late double digit deficit. But a 10 point run by Antonio Nelson and 8 straight made free throws by Austin, were what the Wolverines needed to win the title.
“I had to step up,” said Nelson. “Because my other teammates weren’t on, I had to do what I had to do. In the 4th quarter, the ball is supposed to be in my hands.”
“When Tony (Antonio) came down and hit those big threes for us, that took a lot off our coaches,” said Austin. “We were there then. All they needed was for me to step up and knock down big time free throws.”
The Wolverines are planning on cherishing this championship. Carver will celebrate the win Friday morning, with a victory parade the following week.
