by Andre Mitchell —
The Booker T. Washington High School boys’ basketball team earned its first district championship since 2020 on Feb. 18.
The Warriors sealed the championship after a game at Middle College High School.
Winning is nothing new to historic BTW, which has produced some of the state’s best student-athletes.
What makes this latest feat impressive is that the school has experienced more than a fair share of depletions and distractions as the school attempts to re-establish itself as an exceptional institution post COVID-19 pandemic.
BTW alum Antonio Harris has led the program to league and district titles, including county, regional, sectional, championships and a state runner-up finish in 2016.
The entire 2020-21 season was cancelled due to COVID. The following year saw the team ousted in the first round of the district playoffs.
The warriors got off to a slow start this season but gained momentum at the right time.
The Warriors defeated league rivals Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering and Middle College in the district tourney, after losing by double digits to both teams during the regular season.
As the third seed and maintaining focus, BTW accomplished the unexpected by winning the championship.
Coach Harris’ standards regarding discipline, respect, patience, and persistence has guided the team into TSSAA regional tournament as the top seed Saturday (Feb. 25).
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- Team photo: Jamar Frazier, La’Travious Thomas, Abdoul Sacko, Alex Morgan, Ethan Spencer, Tavion Ray, Fontavin Swindle, Mariel Bolden, Tayshaun Dye, and James White. (Photo: Reginald Huley Jr.)
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- Seniors: Jamar Frazier, Tavion Ray, Mariel Bolden and James White. (Photo: Reginald Huley Jr.)
