The clock read triple zeroes as the buzzer sounded. The scoreboard indicated a 53-52 victory for the Vikings. VASJ had defeated the Bison in the OHSAA Division III Garfield Heights District Final for the second consecutive season.

In that instant, hearts dropped and tears fell. However, before that moment can be discussed, that game, that whole season, one must think back five years prior.

Five years ago, the Bison dream team began.

In 7th grade, the current Bison seniors completed an undefeated season. They followed that up with another undefeated season in their 8th grade campaign. Bison fans eagerly anticipated their high school play.

There was never an offseason for this group. They would refer to themselves as gym rats, while others viewed them as crazy. Collectively, they had one goal: Let it be known that Beachwood basketball was the real deal.

Today, Beachwood is widely known as a regional powerhouse due to the efforts of those same young men. It was much simpler in middle school, yes, but the team still managed to bring the Beachwood community together with highly-competitive play.

All of the hype surrounding the team rode into the seniors’ final run as Bison. Although a state title was not achieved, the season was not a failure.

The seniors provided the program with two of its biggest wins in history. By conquering Division I powers Lakewood St. Edward and Garfield Heights, the boys achieved what no other Beachwood team had previously accomplished.

Beat half of the teams in the Division I State Final Four from the previous year? Check.

At year’s end, earn the number two ranking in the city by cleveland.com? Check.

Fast forward to March 4th, 2016, and the Bison are seeking vengeance against the Vikings who eliminated them from the postseason last year.

The boys came out firing as Tyrone Gibson converted a contested basket, followed by jump shots from Maishe Dailey and Desmond Crosby. Then, VASJ found their rhythm as they began to score. Most notably, the Vikings cashed in on a trio of three pointers to give them a 13-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

VASJ commanded the second quarter as they remained hot from the field. The defending district champions capitalized on two and-one fouls to extend their lead.

Yet, the Vikings could not ease into halftime as Dassan Rhodes provided the Bison with 3 consecutive baskets. Desmond Crosby also found success in the quarter as he battled opposing point guard Jene Higgins. Crosby led the Bison with 9 points at halftime.

At the break, the Vikings led 33-27.

Coming out of halftime, Ronald Jones began the scoring with a quick jumper. Jalen Davis then disrupted the Vikings’ offense as he stole the ball and took it to the rack for an easy layup. The Joes lead had been cut to two points.

After a VASJ timeout, the two teams went back and forth. Davis provided 2 more layups and consecutive Tyrone Gibson buckets tied the game at 39 to end the quarter.

Tension began to build in the crowded Garfield Heights gym as the 4th quarter was about to begin. The back and forth play continued. VASJ went up 4, but Beachwood countered with Gibson and Davis baskets to tie the game once again.

Following a Vikings timeout, Ronald Jones hit a jumper to give the Bison their first lead since the first quarter. However, the 45-43 lead would not last as VASJ came right back with a score of their own. With 1:27 remaining, Maishe Dailey spotted up to send a three ball. The crowd rose to their feet, some in ecstasy, others in horror as the ball splashed through the net. The Bison took a 48-45 lead.

Then the action reached a new height as the final minute of play began. VASJ sank a pair of free throws to cut the Bison lead to 1. Immediately afterwards, the Vikings forced a turnover and reclaimed the lead. The teams traded scores until Tyrone Gibson was fouled in the act of shooting with 6 seconds left in the game. Facing extreme pressure, Gibson made both free throws and the Bison lead 52-51.

What happened next left all in disbelief.

Jene Higgins of the Vikings received the inbound and proceeded to drive the length of the court. He converted a layup as time expired.

The clock read triple zeroes as the buzzer sounded. The scoreboard indicated a 53-52 victory for the Vikings. VASJ had defeated the Bison in the OHSAA Division III Garfield Heights District Final for the second consecutive season.

Bison players collapsed to the hardwood, and it felt as if the entirety of Beachwood fell with them.

In a moment of extreme anguish, the Beachwood fans still applauded the players’ efforts. The Bison fans stood proud as many of the athletes’ parents wiped away tears of their own.

Win or loss, no community could have been prouder of what these young men have accomplished. Former, current and future students will feel great pride in the Class of 2016 Bison basketball team.

As the humanitarian Ben Mays once said, “It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”

The Bison may not have reached their ultimate goal in winning a state championship, but they will go on with their lives as a hardworking, captivating group that will strive for success both on and off of the court.