Chapter 59 Riggs
FIFTY-NINE
RIGGS
Confetti rains down from the rafters, and fans cheer. Players are all over the court, some celebrating and others devastated. A game well played on both sides, but only one champion can be given the trophy.
I drop to my knees as time has expired, and the realization hits. I just won the NCAA National Championship! That’s right, the Titans came out on top, and we are taking the natty home tonight!
Jordan and I embrace. He absolutely killed it tonight.
No doubt in my mind that he will be the MVP of the Final Four, and his NBA draft prospects just got even better.
“Riggs, man, we couldn’t have won this without you.
You have brought our team together with leadership and humility.
Thank you, bro. This means more than you will ever know. ”
I put my arm around his shoulders. This man became a teammate, one of my best friends, and family in the span of a few months. “J, you are the most talented guy I have ever played with. I can’t wait to see what you do in the league.”
I see my mom and Reagan approaching us, and my smile grows even bigger.
Mom comes straight to me, and we both get emotional as we hug.
I can hear cameras going off around us, but I’m right here with her.
“Baby boy, I am so proud of you. Your daddy is doing a victory dance up there. I just know it.” We both laugh at that notion and my dad’s ridiculous celebrations.
“I love you, Mom.” She pats me on the cheek and steps back and over to congratulate Jordan and Uncle Jake.
“Get over here, Sunshine.” I see Reagan patiently waiting her turn to see me, and as soon as the words leave my mouth, she is in my arms, holding me tight.
This right here with her, this is the celebration I wanted most. Basketball bonded us from the beginning.
I love sharing every second of this moment with her.
It doesn’t take long for the arena to clear out, except for the Titan faithful.
The championship ceremony begins with Coach Hart being presented with the trophy, and it’s a surreal moment.
Jake passes it straight to me, and I hoist it up in the air and let out a scream that every fan and player in attendance echoes.
As it makes its way around the team, Jordan is awarded the Final Four MVP.
He takes the mic to answer what this win feels like for him.
“It’s everything. This team has been tested beyond the court this year.
We lost a man very special to us, and we want to dedicate this title to him.
Mr. Joel Hart, this one's for you!” Tears fall freely from my eyes as Jordan hugs me and Jake.
Everyone gives a huge cheer, whether they know the situation or not.
I see my mom hugging Reagan and Paige. I know that meant a lot to her as well.
The managers and Reagan head up to the stage after that, so we can all watch the traditional “One Shining Moment” montage together.
It is a cheesy song, but it shows clips of teams throughout the tournament.
Everyone cheers a little extra loud when Drew Cole misses the game-winning shot to North Dakota, and I can’t help but laugh a little.
We get to see a few moments from our championship run, and it feels like we just climbed Mt.
Everest. The feeling of doing what you set out to do as a kid is insane.
As the song ends and the lights come back on, I turn to Reagan with a smile.
“I need you, Reagan Mills, for the rest of my life, every single day! I love you, Sunshine.”
With a smile brighter than the sun, Reagan puts her arms around my neck as she looks up.
“I love you, Riggs Hart. Always.”
The End