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Richmond High Tigers Clinch State Title 73-68 in Thrilling Finish
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 1:57 GMT by Richmond- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Richmond High School’s Basketball Season Wraps Up in Style: A Look Back at the 2023‑24 Campaign
The sun was blazing over the Richmond‑College Stadium on a Thursday night, and the electric hum of the crowd was a soundtrack to one of the most memorable nights in the history of Richmond High School’s basketball program. The Tigers, the proud representatives of the “Red and Black” school, faced off against their longtime rivals, the Westside Eagles, in the Division I state championship game. The final score, 73‑68 in favor of Richmond, was the culmination of a season of hard work, perseverance, and a newfound sense of unity that has defined the Tigers’ journey from underdogs to state champions.
A Season of Resilience
The Tigers’ 2023‑24 season began on a rainy September 8th with a narrow loss to the Southside Panthers. Coach James “Jimmy” Henderson—now in his 14th year—used that defeat as a springboard, rallying his roster to develop a more disciplined offense and a tenacious perimeter defense. “We didn’t let that first loss define us,” Henderson said in a post‑game interview on the school’s athletics website. “We came out stronger, faster, and with a clearer sense of purpose.”
With that newfound focus, Richmond surged to an 18‑2 record in the regular season, dominating the Tri‑County League. Key contributors were senior guard‑forward Marlon “M.J.” Johnson, who averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, and junior forward Carlos Ramirez, who posted a team‑best 10.3 rebounds per game. The duo’s chemistry was the backbone of the Tigers’ offensive scheme, a “ball‑movement, pick‑and‑roll” style that forced opponents to shift their defensive assignments constantly.
The Road to the Championship
The Tigers entered the state playoffs as the top seed, a first for the program since 2011. Their first playoff game, a 58‑52 win over the eastern division champion, was an early indicator that the team was playing with a confidence that had been missing in the past. The victory was highlighted by a dramatic buzzer‑beater from Johnson, who was named “Player of the Week” in the post‑game press release on the Richmond County School Board’s website.
In the quarter‑finals, the Tigers faced the formidable Riverdale Bears. It was a hard‑fought battle that went into overtime. Coach Henderson’s halftime adjustments—tightening the perimeter defense and increasing the tempo—led to a 67‑61 overtime victory. “The Bears were good, but we had a plan,” Henderson reflected. “The plan was to get our ball in the right hands and let the rhythm play out.”
The semi‑finals against the Hilltop Hawks proved to be the most challenging of the playoff run. The Hawks’ aggressive full‑court press disrupted Richmond’s offensive flow, forcing several turnovers. However, M.J. Johnson’s composure under pressure, culminating in 32 points, proved decisive. With the game tied at 55, Johnson hit a crucial three‑pointer at the end of the second quarter to secure a 72‑68 victory.
The Championship Game
On the night of the championship, the atmosphere was electric. The Tigers entered the court to a standing ovation, and the roar of the 3,000‑plus crowd could be heard from the neighboring streets. From the first whistle, Richmond took control. They opened the game with a 12‑0 run, capitalizing on the Eagles’ sluggish start. By the end of the first quarter, the Tigers led 26‑15, with M.J. Johnson already scoring 12 points.
Carlos Ramirez took over the second quarter, grabbing seven rebounds and scoring 10 points to narrow the Eagles’ gap. The Tigers’ bench, however, made a significant impact. Freshman guard‑forward Isaiah “Izzy” Thompson, a 5‑foot‑7 shooting guard, stepped in during the third quarter and scored a career‑high 11 points, including a spectacular dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The game’s defining moment came in the final minutes. With the score tied at 68, the Eagles had the ball and a chance to win the game. The Tigers’ defense forced a turnover, and M.J. Johnson quickly hit a two‑pointer to give Richmond a 70‑68 lead. As the clock ticked down, the Eagles tried to drive the basket, but a combination of quick passes and a last‑second steal by Thompson sealed the victory.
Celebrating the Victory
Following the final buzzer, Coach Henderson and the Tigers were lifted onto the court in a parade of triumph. The school’s principal, Dr. Angela Lee, presented the state championship trophy, and a video montage highlighted the season’s highs and lows. The celebration was more than a win; it was a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and the entire Richmond High School community.
The Tigers’ success has implications beyond the trophy cabinet. Coach Henderson noted that the program’s visibility has increased recruitment interest from colleges across the state. “We’ve already got a few offers on the table,” Henderson said. “I’m thrilled to see our students get opportunities to play at the next level.”
Looking Ahead
While the Tigers can bask in their hard‑earned glory, the future promises even more. M.J. Johnson and Carlos Ramirez, both juniors, will return for the upcoming season, and the coaching staff has indicated plans to refine the offensive system, making it even more efficient. Additionally, the school’s athletic department has announced a partnership with the Richmond Sports Foundation, which will provide updated training facilities and additional resources for the team.
The championship game also serves as a touchstone for the student body. The school board’s recent resolution, which acknowledges the role of athletics in fostering school spirit, highlighted how the Tigers’ victory brought together students, faculty, alumni, and local residents. A community mural, depicting the Tigers’ iconic 2023‑24 season, is slated for completion in the school’s courtyard, and a plaque honoring the team will be installed near the stadium’s entrance.
Final Thoughts
Richmond High School’s 2023‑24 basketball season is a story of perseverance, strategic growth, and community pride. From the early setbacks to the decisive championship win, the Tigers’ journey reflects the ethos of a program that values teamwork over individual accolades. The 73‑68 victory over the Westside Eagles was more than just a game—it was the culmination of a season that will be remembered for years to come in the heart of Richmond’s high‑school sports lore.
Read the Full Richmond Article at:
[ https://richmond.com/sports/high-school/article_faf07189-f3fd-45d7-9c26-d1d3355c3c93.html ]
