From the first time they pick up a basketball the thought begins about making it to the State Tournament. That is what hap-pened for the Mangum Tigers as they fought their way to the Big House for the 2nd time in four years.

They had a big send-off from their fellow students as the bus made its rounds Thursday morn-ing, driving to the various schools before making its way downtown, then continuing their trip to Norman for the first round where they would face Talihina.

It was the 7th time in school history that a group of Tigers has qualified to play for the gold ball.

For three seniors- Kolby Miller, Mason Toole and Jarred Stockton- it would be their sec-ond and last trip.

Each year boys and girls play basketball pretty much year-round from summer league to pick-up games to just having a few friends over for a game in a driveway.

To make it to the State Tour-nament is something you earn no matter what sport, and they certainly earned the trip by win-ning 22 games this season.

The gym was small, but the crowd was big as they took the court for the 7:00 game.

In the end the Tigers lost to the eventual Runner-Up Talihina Golden Tigers but they gave it their all.

Now it’s time for the guys to pick up the baseball and the girls to pick up the softball and head outdoors. It looks to be another successful season for both groups. The Tigers are ranked #12 in Class 2A Baseball and the girls are ranked #4 in Class 4A softball. Both teams made it to the State Tournament last year in their respective sports and look good to return this year. The Lady Tigers will open their season in the 22nd on the road against Burns Flat and the Tigers will start play here on Friday with games against Washington and Sayre. Good luck to all!