The streets were lined with well-wishers as the triumphant Benton Harbor Tigers basketball team rode atop a fire engine through the city Thursday in a parade to celebrate their state championship. It ended at the high school where a packed house greeted the team. Sophomore star Carlos Johnson tried to speak with WSJM News over the marching band when we asked how he felt.
“We finally came back home and won,” Johnson said. “After 53 years. It took a lot of hard work in the summer and in the season so it feels good. It’s really part dedication and sacrifice.”
On hand was Dave Mack, a member of the last Tiger Basketball state championship team.
“You win with defense and heart, and your team showed that, each and every game,” Mack said. “Congratulations to you.”
Also speaking Thursday night at the rally were mayor Marcus Muhammad, the Tiger coaching staff, a representative Congressman Fred Upton, and former Tiger and current NBA Nugget Wilson Chandler, who called in. Mayor Muhammad read a city proclamation declaring 2018 the year of the Benton Harbor Tigers.
