Republic boys’ basketball captured their seventh Blue and Gold Championship last week and first since 2016.
The title is four years in the making for Tigers’ leader Ahlante Askew.
Winning the Blue and Gold is a moment the Republic Tigers won’t soon forget.
“Blue and Gold titles are one of those championships that will bond a team forever,” said Republic boys basketball coach Tim Brown.
A memorable moment – created by a memorable performance by Ahlante Askew.
“Lots of emotion, high energy, felt great to win the Blue and Gold. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do since my freshman year coming up short all three years,” said the Republic senior.
Ahlante capped his four years of playing in the Blue and Gold by becoming just the 25th player in the 77-year history of the tournament to surpass 200 career points.
“Not only be in that group of people but have a Blue and Gold title next to his name because I think he’d tell you that’s what’s most important, but neat to have that individual honor as well,” Brown said.
“It means a lot. Coming into it I didn’t expect to be a top scorer of over 200 points I just try to make that right play,” Ahlante added.
That ‘right play’ attitude has turned Ahlante into a 1,000-point scorer throughout his entire Tigers career.
“Everyone talks about all the shots that he makes or getting to the basket or making great plays, but he’s an elite defender,” Brown said. “He’s always going to make the right basketball play. It allows him to play more free and make the reads that he needs to.”
He does score a lot but according to Ahlante buckets don’t make a player elite.
“Making your teammates better is something that you should take pride in as a point guard. I like being able to get my guys involved in the game it gets their confidence going if I can find them for an easy layup or an easy three, it just gets the whole team rolling,” Ahlante said.
“When your best player can make others better that’s a huge skill that someone can have,” Brown said.
That skill is working this year as Ahlante has led the Tigers to an 11-1 start, and a Blue and Gold title.
