On Tuesday, March 17, RB went into the biggest game in its history looking to upset the heavily favored Stevenson Patriots. Led by senior Jalen Brunson, Stevenson was considered by many a favorite to win the state tournament.

Many, hypothesized that RB would come out playing with no pressure, that the Bulldogs would play their own brand of fast paced, loose basketball. However, this would not prove to be the case. The Bulldogs began the contest looking extremely nervous, and very tight. The Patriots, on the other hand, were ready for business as usual. Stevenson jumped out to an early lead and by the end of the first they were in control of the game 20-4.

Perhaps it was the big stage of Chicago State’s 6,000 seat stadium, or maybe it was the intimidation factor of playing the no. 1 point guard in the state. For whatever reason, the Bulldogs just didn’t seem to be playing their game to start the competition.

Despite the dreadful start, the Dogs refused to roll over. They kept fighting and, to begin the second quarter, the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run. They were able to, at one point, shrink the deficit to single digits, but that is the closest they would make it. Stevenson’s potent offense and lockdown defense kept the game out of the Bulldogs’ reach.

The Bulldogs would go on to fall 62-45. Although the score indicates a rout, the Bulldogs played well…If you don’t count the first quarter. Say the Bulldogs didn’t turn the ball over seven times in the first, or they didn’t have multiple offensive fouls in that period, we’re potentially talking about a completely different outcome. Take away the first quarter of play, and the final score of the game would’ve been 42-41 in favor of Stevenson.

Yes, the loss is an excruciating way to end the season. But despite falling to Stevenson, RB has plenty of which to be proud. The Bulldogs are the first team in RB history to win 28 games, the first team in RB history to win a Sectional title, the first team in RB history to make it to the elite eight… That’s a whole lot of firsts.

If someone would’ve told you that this small school of 1,500 kids would be playing with some of the best and largest schools in the state in the middle of March, you may be skeptical.

But here we are.

Looking back at the season the Bulldogs can say that they were the greatest basketball team in RBHS history. Regardless of the loss, this was an extraordinary season for RB basketball.