While spending time at the Charleston Civic Center this week, I decided that popcorn tastes better out of a paper bag than a plastic one. For $7, I can buy that bag of popcorn and a bottle of water - or my favorite Panera Bread salad.

 

But as I took in plenty of high school basketball at this year’s WVSSAC state tournament - and watched and talked with other folks doing the same - I learned so much more.

 

For one thing, the Bridgeport student fan base is as solid as a rock. On both Thursday and Friday, the designated student section was filled with enthusiastic supporters. They planned and carried out a blackout during Thursday’s game against defending Class AA champion Bluefield. While sporting their black – and one kid wearing a chicken head – they pulled out all the stops to cheer the Tribe on to a 70-56 victory. The next day, they created a glowing student section – and basket backdrop – by wearing neon, from the hottest pink to the most electric lime. Again, they stood by their team until the final seconds ticked off the clock and the Indians fell 80-56 to Fairmont Senior. I offer kudos to those faithful, spirited students, to the BHS cheerleaders and to an Indian basketball team that played with true skill and heart. Their combined work earned BHS the Class AA spirit award for this year’s state tournament.

 

“I”

 

“I believe”

 

“I believe that”

 

“I believe that we”

 

“I believe that we will”

 

“I believe that we will win.”

 

Yes, you have to believe in your team. That's the kind of stuff Tribe pride is made of. And I'm among those who couldn't be prouder of our BHS basketball team and its amazing run.

 

And although I would have loved to see the Indians in Saturday's championship game, I learned that sometimes the ball drops - or frustratingly enough, fails to do so - as part of a bigger plan.

 

Saturday’s Class AA championship went to Poca High School, ultimately concluding the Dots’ season with a perfect streak of victories and 27-0 record, its first undefeated season in 28 years. On that team are the Framptom brothers - guards Noah and Luke, #34 and #14, respectively - who I watched closely on the floor. I watched their constant encouragement to each other. I watched the heart and determination with which they played and the unforgettable looks on their faces when the buzzer sounded at the end of the game.

 

They wanted to win that game not only for themselves, their team and their school, but also for their dad Bryan, an avid fan of the sport and 1988 alum of PHS who lost his battle with cancer just over a year ago. I learned that story while sitting with the pastor of the family’s church Thursday evening as Poca defeated Ravenswood, completing the first leg of their state tournament journey.

 

For the past school year, the Frampton brothers have been practicing their game in the very gymnasium where, in December of 2013, a tribute to their dad’s life was held. I can only imagine the sweat and the tears that have been part of these boys’ high school basketball careers. Fruits of that hard work showed Saturday as they joined forces to score 37 points of the team’s 57-53 win over Fairmont Senior. Their defensive performances were just as impressive.

 

The whole team, including standout Elijah Cuffee, is to be commended for quite a comeback. The first half saw the Dots down by as much as 16. The team - and it seemed an entire Civic Center full of avid Poca fans - rallied like nothing I've ever seen. I don't mind telling you I was brought to tears. Noah graduates this year. Luke will likely play for two more years. I wish them both and their entire family the very best. 

 

Sometimes you learn some very important things while watching high school basketball; things that grab hold of your heart in slam dunk fashion. And let me add this: Yes, you certainly can  pray at school sporting events. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter. More "It's Happening" HERE.