In defeat, Rams maintain positive outlook

Even after watching Coral Springs go on a 7-0 run to take a 10-point lead late in the third quarter of Saturday's Class 8A finals, the Riverview Rams didn't waver.

The Riverview boys basketball team had overcome deficits that most teams would deem insurmountable. Leads slipped away only for the team to go on impressive runs in the final minutes. They had faith in each other, buying into a process that led them to a 29-3 record. Why would the state championship be any different?

For a moment, it seemed as if it wouldn't. Fans that made the hour-and-a-half trip from Sarasota to Lakeland kept cheering. In the fourth quarter, became clear why Riverview had been the top-ranked team in Class 8A since December. The Rams cut down the double-digit lead, pulling within 57-55 with 11 seconds to play.

Riverview's determination and confidence couldn't push them any closer. The Colts’ Myron Dewar made four clutch free throws in the closing seconds to end the best season in Riverview history.

Before then, the team never envisioned having to sit back as their opponent accept the Class 8A state championship trophy. It wasn't until the final seconds ticked off the clock, and the Rams watched Coral Springs celebrate its 61-57 victory, that reality slowly began to sink in. 

Exuberance quickly turned to frustration and disappointment. The realization they were a few missed opportunities away from fulfilling a goal they set back in June began to sink in. 

“It’s kind of going in slow motion a little bit,” said senior D.J. Bryant. “I love my teammates.” 

After the final seconds had ticked off the clock, hundreds of Rams fans began chanting Bryant's name, followed by fellow seniors Dom Caldwell, D’Myron Wright, Micah Fenn and eventually coach B.J. Ivey. The distance from the defeat meant the Rams could finally begin to reflect on all they had accomplished this season. 

“It’s been a crazy ride,”  said junior Brion Whitley, who finished with a team-high 25 points. “It was a phenomenal season and we did great things. We just fell a little short.”

The Rams reached the Final Four for the first time since 1993, earning district and regional championships en route to the only state championship appearance in school history. 

More importantly, the Rams united a school and a community, changing the culture of Riverview basketball. Riverview faithful came out week after week to show their support for the Rams. White-outs (and maroon-outs) became the norm, as the Riverview student section got behind the Rams early on this season. 

“We knew we had a special team and we’ve shown it all year,” Whitley said. “The support we’ve gotten has been incredible. They knew we had a special team. It’s a special thing. It’s a crazy accomplishment to get here.”

Even without a championship, Ivey said the season served as an invaluable bonding experience, creating a strong connection between the members of the team — and between the team and the rest of the student body.

The foundation of those relationships were formed in June, when the Rams attended a camp at Eckerd College. Sensing the potential for a special season, they began spending as much time as possible together — at practice, in the weight room, at the beach and during weekly team building activities.

“Yeah, we wanted to win a state championship — but what happened to our community, what happened to our school, our guys are going to remember that forever,” Ivey said. “The relationships that we’ve built with one another are going to far outlast hardware.” 

Riverview graduates four seniors from year's squad, including Bryant, who will move on to play for the University of Texas at Arlington. Leading scorers Whitley and AJ Caldwell, both juniors, will return from this year's starting lineup, along with six other players with varsity experience. 

Even without a championship trophy, the season was a memorable ride — one the departing Rams will cherish, and one the returning players will fight to experience again in the near future. 

“It’s a blessing,” Bryant said. “Obviously you want to win the game, but I have faith in this school and this program that they’ll go on to do great things in the future. From the people who played every minute, to the people on the bench, to our team manager, everybody made a difference.”