The “March Magic” Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament was held this past weekend in Louisville at the MidAmerica Sports Center. A total of 48 teams from across the state qualified to compete for state championships in 13 divisions. The Marshall 3 team beat the Grant County Jaguars 22-8 to win the title.
Press Release
The Marshall County Special Olympics basketball program has been a powerhouse in the state for the last 12 seasons. This 2022-2023 basketball season is their 13th year. The program has won six State Championships, two State Runner-ups and 11 Regional Championships between three teams. This season they added a fourth team and was looking forward to another great season.
“We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs this season”, Coach Jonny Byrd said. “Attendance has been an issue for several different reasons, lack of teams wanting to play or travel and just prep in general.”
All four teams played 10-11 regular season games before the Regional Tournament. Teams are then matched up according to ability.
“Last year we had Marshall 2 win their fifth State title and was moved up to the next level and they have been moved up five times”, Bryd said. “Now we’re a 2A team, 3A is the only other division higher in Special Olympics. Marshall 2 lost in the Regional to the Bowling Green Generals 24-19. Marshall 2 has been very successful, so to lose in the Regional was tough. The Generals are the 2A State Runner-up this weekend at the State Tournament. Marshall 4 is the new team this season. They advanced to state with an at-large bid. They lost in the first round 28-21 to the Pillar Eagles. For them to be a newly formed team I thought they did great towards the end of the season.”
“Marshall 1 won their first regional title in 13 seasons but met a tough Stride Cardinals team at state losing 30-16”, Bryd said. “Stride had a couple of players that were higher in ability and just dominated in the game. I hate that. Each team needs to be uniformly matched. But this was Marshall 1’s first State Tournament since they were State Runner-Up four years ago, very proud of them.”
“Marshall 3 is the higher B team that won the regional this season and going into the State Tournament had a good chance in advancing. Marshall 3 is coached by Noah Steele. He had 11 players and several of them with tournament experience. They defeated the Lexington Dragons Saturday 28-13 to advance to Sunday’s State Championship game with Grant County Jaguars Maroon team defeating them 22-8. Both teams we played had really good seasons. The Dragons were undefeated until the Regional Championship where they took Silver. Grant County won Gold at the Regional and they have a great basketball program!”
“Our team struggled all season but started playing together at the Regional and State. That was the difference. They played better than they have all season. Now with two Regional titles, they can add a State title to the resume. We’re all very proud of them. Please congratulate the team in town and in the county businesses. Thank You for your support!” – Coach Jonny Byrd