Its Official: Thurgood Marshall Wins 3rd Consecutive City League Title

 Its Official: Thurgood Marshall Wins 3rd Consecutive Dayton Public School Title Under "Wolfy" Era on Senior Night

The Thurgood Marshall Lady Cougars celebrated a myriad of accomplishments on Monday night in front of a packed house. 

First, Coach Duane "Wolfy" Hutchinson and the Lady Cougars celebrated the senior class that has led the Thurgood girls team to a Dayton Public Schools title run that hasn't been done since the Montgomery era in the 80s and 90s. 

The senior class of Samara Gibson, Morganne Postell, Ma'Kayla Williams, Kimora Williams and Raevyn Mcrae has accumulated nearly 3,000 points and countless assists, steals, rebounds and other great numbers, along with their scholarship offers.

They were honored by the city of Dayton Representative Willis E Blackshear Jr., who came and gave the seniors a special gift along with a great speech and some encouraging words. 

During the announcements the seniors and their families would walk over a red carpet, which made the vibe feel top tier. Each player was given a jersey, and a senior bag with Gibson, Williams and Postell getting a signature basketball commending them on their special accomplishments during their careers. 

During the game, it was all Cougars as they dismantled the Stivers Lady Tigers by a score of 69-24. 

All of the seniors contributed heavily to the big win, and it was a festive atmosphere for most at the game - unless you were rooting for the Lady Tigers.

In the first half, the overwhelming defensive presssure (led by Gibson) and fast break finishes (led by Williams) gave Hutchinson and the Lady Cougars a lead they'd never relinquish. Once the 3-bombs started falling, (led by Postell), there was no stopping the Lady Cougars.

With the win the Lady Cougars (9-1) have clinched at least a share of the DPS title. 

They now will face the State Champion Alter Lady Knights as they prep for the OHSAA Basketball Tournament in 3 weeks. 

"I'm very blessed to have this amazing group, and I was always told to win your league. We've done that three years in a row now. We will enjoy this moment but I'm already preparing for the final two matchups and the tournament." Hutchinson would say after the game. 

One intriguing storyline is that they could win the City League outright, if Meadowdale (7-1) stumbles in their last game. The Lions last game vs Belmont was canceled. They have one game left. They tied for the Title last year with Thurgood. 

Regardless, congratulations to the Lady Cougars, on creating history. 

Three consecutive Dayton Public School championships. And three ladies signing to hoop for Central State as well.

That is the kind of stuff kids and parents dream of.

By the way, it is Duane "Wolfy" Hutchinson birthday, so happy birthday to Wolfy who is now being called a goat by some. 

Make no mistake; it has been Wolfy who has definitely changed the culture for HS hoops in Dayton Public Schools.

 Its time to follow his lead. 

Congrats to the Lady Cougars and the organization and Happy Birthday to Coach Wolf.