DUNLAP – Roughly half an hour after the dust settled on Friday’s Class 3A star-studded, jam-packed regional title game between Metamora and Morton, the Redbirds wheeled out a large speaker, blasting Fetty Wap’s hit song, “Again".
It fit the situation because Metamora is a regional champion, again.
The Redbirds (27-6, 13-1 Mid-Illini) earned its fourth regional title in as many years, enduring a wild final three minutes in front of a raucous crowd at Dunlap High School with senior guard Ashton Grieves stepping up to be a hero in a 45-43 victory over Morton (25-7, 12-2).
Grieves had plenty to play for. Not only was he trying to keep his high school career alive, he wanted to make his grandfather, Danny, proud. The Redbirds’ former head coach underwent hip surgery on Tuesday and couldn’t make it to Friday’s game in person; a rare occasion.
One could only imagine the smile on his face after the win.