The outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States brought sports seasons to a halt from the pros to youth leagues. Major League Baseball delayed the start of its season, while the NBA, NHL and MLS all suspended their seasons until the nation is able to get the spread of the virus under control. But for many athletes on high school and college teams, the public health crisis meant an abrupt end to their seasons and, in some cases, careers.
At Newschannel 5 we want to recognize some of the special teams and individuals that had their seasons interrupted, and give them that one last moment of recognition that they should’ve had in a series we call “Curtain Call” that will run weeknights at 10pm.
We begin with the East Robertson Boys’ Basketball team that went 23-10 this season, helping to bring glory back to the tradition-rich basketball school in Cross Plains.
The Indians played their best basketball at the end of the season, winning their final five games behind 1,000 point scorer Taylor Groves. He poured in 31 in the Sectional Final, despite battling a stomach virus, and Darion Shannon chipped in 10 as East Robertson beat a no. 10 West Carroll to punch their tickets to the Class A state tournament for the first time since 2006.
Who knows if they could've kept the run going and won the school's first state basketball title since the 80's, but the Indians were playing championship-caliber basketball when their season was unfortunately stopped.
Boys, a tip of the cap for a job well done.
*****If you want to nominate a team or player for Curtain Call, please email steve.layman@newschannel5.com or send a quick nomination and picture or video to @SteveLayman on Twitter or NC5_Steve Layman on Facebook.*****
