Independence basketball turnaround brings emotions after title game loss: 'They were tears that we wanted'

George Robinson, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

MURFREESBORO – Two years ago, Independence was searching for a new boys basketball coach, coming off a fourth consecutive season of sub-.500 basketball.

Few returning players knew what direction the program was heading and who would be around to lead it. But when Mark Wilkins was hired in March 2021, his stabilizing presence ended the uncertainty that had gripped the program.

On Saturday afternoon, Wilkins' players wiped away tears after losing to Memphis Overton, 69-57, in the Class 4A state championship game during the TSSAA Division I BlueCross Boys State Tournament Championships at Murphy Center.

MARK WILKINSHow Indy's coaching family prepared Eagles for first state title game

INDEPENDENCEJett Montgomery has 'neon green' light to shoot

"Everyone has had a hand in this turnaround," junior guard Jett Montgomery said. "It's been everyone, from our trainers and managers to coaches and players ... our parents sacrificing for us, our administration understanding what this program needed and going and getting a coach like Coach Wilkins. It's just tough to lose this game because I know the work that went into us being here."

Independence (33-5) was the lone Middle Tennessee team in Saturday's state championship games.

"We tried," said Montgomery, who finished with 21 points but was held to eight points in the second half. "It wasn't easy. Memphis Overton was great."

Independence started off shooting 58% and led 19-14 after the first quarter. But the Wolverines (32-11) outscored the Eagles 55-38 in the final three quarters.

The emotions were on the surface for Montgomery. He couldn't hide the tears, the blood-shot eyes or the cracking in his voice when he spoke about his teammates.

Independence guard Jett Montgomery (1) stands on the court as they lose 69 to 57 against Memphis Overton in the TSSAA Class 4A State Boys' Basketball Tournament Championship game at Murphy Center Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Independence guard Jett Montgomery (1) stands on the court as they lose 69 to 57 against Memphis Overton in the TSSAA Class 4A State Boys' Basketball Tournament Championship game at Murphy Center Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Wilkins admitted it was a tough loss to swallow.

"There was a lot of tears in that locker room, including coaches," Wilkins said. "But I think they were tears that we wanted. I just think that this is a special group that loves it and didn't want it to end."

During a two-year stretch (2017-2019) Independence struggled to win 10 games. As a freshman, Montgomery's Eagles suffered through a season that never got out of the district tournament. The next, Wilkins' first season (2021-22), Independence won 25 games and lost to Lebanon in the sectional.

This season included 5:30 a.m. preseason shoot-a-rounds and a belief that a state title team existed in their gym. Friday's semifinal win over Memphis East was the team's 33rd, a school record.

"I just have emotion because I love this team so much," Montgomery said. "I'm with this team as much as I am with my own family. This is my second family. I'm just thinking about missing our seniors, and that gets me choked up."

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TSSAA basketball state tournament: Independence falls in championship