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The Bainbridge High School boys basketball team capped off one of the most memorable regular seasons in school history with their 21 consecutive victory as they defeated Cairo High School 53-43 on Friday night. Not only did the victory give the Bearcats a 24-1 regular season record with an 8-0 region record making them regular season region champions, but the senior bearcats were honored pregame during senior night.

Seniors Ked Bryant, Dontavious Broadnax, Vontrelle Ervin, Amarion Ford and KJ Cochran were all recognized pregame as they were walked to halfcourt by family members and got to soak in the jam-packed Bearcat crowd on Friday night.

One of the most emotional parts of the night was when senior KJ Cochran was walked out by his mother and his father, Kelvin, who has not only been a paternal leader in his life, but has also been his leader as the Bearcats head coach. It was an emotional but also proud night for the Cochran family.

“It’s going to be emotional,” said Cochran before the game. “When I was watching film last night, it hit me that this is really it and we’re nearing the end of this journey. It’s hard to put into words. It’s a proud moment but it’s also kind of sad at the same time. Watching him not only play basketball and coaching him but watching him grow up feels weird that high school is over but also makes us really proud that he’s made it this far.”

Not only has KJ been a senior who has had an impact on the team and Cochran, but this year’s group of seniors has been a special one. From growing up together, the relationships they have been able to build over the years and the work they have put in, the 2023 Bearcat seniors have played a significant role in a 24-1 regular season record.

“This group of seniors goes just beyond the four years of high school they’ve gone through together,” said Cochran. “They’ve been playing ball and working since middle school. The bond they have, the time they put in and to see it come to fruition like it is now and seeing them have a great season, we know that now the only thing left to do is finish and give our all to winning a region championship and make a run in the state tournament. These guys deserve the success they’re seeing. They’ve worked for years, battled through injuries but have always stayed the course.”

In their win against Cairo, senior Ked Bryant led the Bearcats offensively as he poured in 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Junior AJ Grant also had a great game on the offensive end, scoring 10 points and six boards. The Bearcats saw 10 different players score on Friday night as they cruised to a ten point victory against Cairo, after their last matchup went down to the wire in overtime.

Senior Dontavious Broadnax brought energy on both sides of the ball, starting the game off with two consecutive three pointers and also led the team defensively with four steals and five rebounds. KJ Cochran was also efficient on both ends, pouring in eight points on the offensive end while also recording eight rebounds and two blocks.

The Bearcats now shift their focus to the Region Tournament as they await their opponent in the coming days.