TATAM, Texas (KLTV) — The East Texas community is thriving as high school basketball teams move into state championship tournaments.
Tatum Schools students were released early Thursday. This is because they focused on supporting basketball teams who go to state tournaments.
“This is every child’s dream. It doesn’t matter what sport it is. To play in a championship game, that’s why kids do it. That’s why coaches are coaches,” said Tatum High School basketball coach Brett Kerr.
There was an atmosphere of excitement among students and residents in the state title game their team will play on Friday.
“Tatum is excited. I’m so excited about this basketball game. I’m going to Tatum!” a fan from my hometown said.
Business owners are caught up in the excitement of a championship possibility.
“Yes, we have a lot of people, coaches and students. It’s a big deal. That’s great. Emily Betts, owner of Color Me Crazy Salon at Tatum, said:
The team cried out throughout the season with a record of 31 and 2.
“Man, we saw our schedule and it was a juggernaut. It seemed like every good team in our area was piling up against us. Our kids really had to need nails and rubs to make it here,” Kerr said.
“Well, we’ve reached the playoffs before, but it wasn’t far,” another fan said.
They have the intangible skill of finding a way to win.
“Our kids are very resilient this year. They seem to have found a way to win,” the coach said.
Tatum appears on Friday at 1pm for Columbus High, Class 3A Championship.
Copyright 2025 KLTV. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
