For most teams, an undefeated season is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. For last year’s Republic 8th grade basketball team, it was just a habit. The 8th graders — both A and B squads — finished their middle school careers with a combined record of 52-0 in two seasons.
You selected this story as your 10th favorite story of the year, in a tie with the volleyball team’s state quarterfinal appearance.
In addition to talent and depth, coach Tonia Herbold says the team had an attitude that helped it keep winning. “They have this will to win. We were down 13 points (against Ozark in the COC Tournament), and came back and won the game. They’re just real dedicated.”
The 8th grade A team went 13-0 last season, and 28-0 overall. The B team was 24-0 in two years. The team’s depth allowed Herbold to substitute liberally, shuffling some players between the two squads.
You can read the original story here. And here’s a photo gallery from the team’s victory over Nixa in January.
