The R.C. Hatch Bobcats lived the dream this season they brought back the State Championship back to Uniontown, and they did it with strong fundamental basketball.

The Bobcats defeated Calera 68-60 last night in Birmingham to bring home the 2A AHSAA Boys State Championship.

“I feel so good about this victory,” said head Bobcats head coach Eugene Mason.

“This victory is our special one, and I am very proud of the kids.”

The Bobcats managed the victory behind outstanding defensive play and the ability to take advantage of Calera’s mistakes.

“We put a lot of emphasis on freethrow shooting going into this game,” said Mason. “We did a very good job from the line, because we knew we would have to, and I am very proud of the kids.”

The Bobcats were 22 of 29 from the freethrow line, and Calera only managed to shoot 50 percent from the line in the game going three of six from the line in the game.This turned out to make a huge difference in the game.

“I tell my team to come out and play like we are playing from behind every game,” said game MVP Billy Campbell. “If you are up by 30 points play like you are behind 30 points.”

The Bobcats were led on the night by Billy Campbell with 25 points. Campbell was 7 of 12 from the floor, and 11 of 12 from the line in the game. He also pulled down 12 big rebounds in the game. Fredrick Lewis had a big night for the Bobcats putting up 15 points in the game. Terry Pope finished the night with 13 points, and Quinton Collins had 1o points on the night.

Campbell, Lewis, and Pope were all named to the All Tournament Team.