Why Bolivar boys basketball coach was fighting back tears, but not because of state tournament loss
MURFREESBORO — Bolivar boys basketball coach Cameron Crisp was nearly brought to tears after the Tigers fell to Chattanooga Tyner 66-59 in the quarterfinals of the TSSAA Class 2A tournament on Tuesday.
It wasn't because of the outcome of the game at Middle Tennessee State's Murphy Center though. It was because he felt that this group made him a better human.
"Man this bunch made me a better person. A better husband and father," Crisp said, fighting through tears. "These guys have shown me that hard work and dedication really does payoff."
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Crisp, a Mr. Basketball winner and Tennessee Tech alum, replaced longtime coach Rick Rudesill, who went to Jackson Central-Merry after 24 seasons and three state championships with the Tigers.
Bolivar has one player taller than 6-foot-2 — sophomore Tracy Jones, who is 6-foot-5.
Despite being undersized most games, the Tigers (21-10) turned their season around after starting 5-7 to win 16 of their last 19 games.
Crisp joked that the height difference is unfair but said that disadvantage is why the team never gives up.
"I joke around with a lot of people. They will ask if we got any size on the team and I will say, 'Yeah I am the tallest on the team and I'm the coach,' " Crisp said. "But these guys play bigger than their size. I'm really proud of these guys. ... From day one, the kids and I fought.
"We are small and we can't be slow. We dang near have to do everything perfect but that's sports. It's unfair to the guys — it's a hit or miss game. They (Tyner) made some and we missed — but you keep fighting."
Bolivar attempted 20 more shots (68-48) than Tyner and also had five turnovers compared to the Rams' 24.
Junior guard Jamarion Anderson led the way with 25 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Anderson and senior Andtrayvin Stewart were the only players with significant minutes last season. Anderson took over as the leading scorer after Mr. Basketball award winner Toris Woods graduated. Anderson averaged about 19 points this season.
"I just saw how it easy it was down the stretch (of the season) and I just got used to it," Anderson said.
Crisp said the team exceeded his expectations.
"I'm proud of these guys. We fell short today but we weren't supposed to be here. If you could find a word that is better than exceed then that's what they did," Crisp said. "... Our motto for this year was family. You pick your family up in times of adversity like tonight. We fell short but they fought but as a coach and father that's all you can ask for."
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Crisp proud of team's fight despite quarterfinals loss
