METAMORA, Ill. – For the first time in school history, Metamora is a state champion in basketball.
The boys basketball team achieved that feat Saturday evening by defeating Chicago Simeon in the IHSA Class 3A state championship game, 46-42.
Senior Tyson Swanson led all scorers in the game with 20 points. Junior Tyler Mason added 16 points. Senior Ethan Kizer, a South Alabama commit, had 6 points.
The Redbirds were down 23-14 at the half, but went on a 10-0 run to start the 2nd half to take the lead in a back-and-forth affair. They overcame a 10-point 2nd half deficit in the semifinal game Friday against East St. Louis.
Head coach Danny Grieves tells WMBD’s “Greg and Dan” that comebacks are a pattern for his team.
“We just have a lot of resolve and a lot of grit. But, I told them in the game when we got down 10, I go ‘Hey, I guess we got them up where we want them’,” Grieves said.
Metamora celebrated the team on Sunday with a parade and a celebration at Metamora High School. Grieves said fan support from the town all year long was a big factor throughout the season.
“Our hats off to our fans, they’ve just been amazing. Just a great 6th man for us all year long,” Grieves said.
In addition to the basketball title, Metamora is a three-time state champion in football, and has one state title in softball.
