Madison basketball honors fallen principal in loss to Avery, snaps winning streak
MARSHALL - Madison High basketball coach Jamie Extine said it was inspirational for his team to get back out on the court for its first game since principal David Robinson died unexpectedly Jan. 25.
Extine, his coaches, players and some fans sported shirts honoring the principal that read, "Doc Rob: We love you pal."
"It was important for our community and kids to play. It is amazing how sports brings a community together in times of tragedy," the coach said. "The shirts are a tribute for what kind of man Dr. Robinson was. We want to honor his memory and always remember what he meant to each one of us."
The Patriots lost 78-49 at home to Avery Feb. 2, snapping a two-game win streak. The Pats beat Owen 72-55 Jan. 24 and Rosman 72-36 Jan. 27.
With Feb. 2's loss to Avery, the team moved to 3-13 (2-4 Western Highlands 1A/2A).
"We didn’t play as well as I had hoped, but we are not going to make excuses," Extine said. "We are going to fix what went wrong and try to get better each day."
Avery outscored the Patriots 26-7 in the first quarter. Despite the early deficit, Madison continued to scrap for loose balls, utilizing a 3/4-court press to force the Vikings (11-8, 5-4 WHC) into turnovers that led to fast break points on offense.
Junior guard Caden Hilemon led the Patriots with 18 points, while senior guard Matthew Flores converted three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points.
Extine said his team's winning streak may have been inspired by the players' ambitions to win for their principal.
"I remember watching him greet every kid as they came to school," Extine said of Robinson. "He would call each one by their name. I am proud of the fact that after everything that has happened our kids continue to be there for each other and will always play with great effort."
Robinson was a former girls and boys basketball coach at Madison Middle and Madison High School. According to his wife Wanda, Robinson was a fierce competitor, despite his even keel and steady nature.
"He was a tough coach - filled with love and passion, but he wanted to win," Wanda Robinson said. "He didn't believe in just laying down and quitting. You have to suck it up and keep on truckin'."
Extine said his team - which was 1-12 before earning two consecutive conference wins - has embodied that mentality throughout this season, particularly after hearing the news of Robinson's death.
"The growth of this team is amazing," the coach said. "We may not come out on top every night, but just watching them grow each day is awesome. The kids will play hard and strive to get better in every situation."
Sophomore Jake Allen tallied 7 points, while senior Dakota Dison added 6 points for the Patriots.
The Patriots traveled to Burnsville for a matchup with first-place Mountain Heritage Feb. 3, followed by an away game against Draughn Feb. 5 and a home game against Owen Feb. 7.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Madison boys basketball honors 'Doc Rob,' suffers 1st loss in 3 games
