BIG LAKE, Texas — The Reagan County Fighting Owls basketball program never had a 2,000-point scorer in the history of their program. That changed earlier in the week after junior Kason Brown made history and cemented himself as the first player to suit up for Reagan County and join the exclusive club.
"All the work, the nights up here by myself, spending time alone up here is paying off. I mean it is hard work but I love the game of basketball so it does not even feel like work to me," Brown said.
Brown has led RCHS to a 26-6 record and a first-place bid in district play. His hot shooting nights en route to eclipsing 2,000 points may seem like an individual accomplishment to some, but for himself along with his coach and father, Kyle Brown, it is a testament to the team around him.
"We have guys that can get him the ball in the right spots and always lift him up even when it is not his night. It is an individual award, but he knows and believes it is because of the guys around him that made it possible," Coach Brown said.
His teammates celebrated the accomplishment alongside him and believe this is a proper launching pad into the upcoming playoff action that awaits them. AJ Avalos, has been playing under Coach Brown and with his son, Kason, since they were in elementary school. Seeing this first hand for Avalos, was emotional and well-deserved in his eyes.
"We are all so proud of him. It has been amazing to see firsthand, throughout all the ups and downs, it is so special to be a part of his time playing basketball. You know, little kids, before games, (they) look up to him and I mean I love to see it. I think it is a good milestone for our program,” Avalos said.
The attention of the Fighting Owls now turns to playoff action, where they play their first game in the bi-district round against the Colorado City Wolves. With the momentum of an accomplishment like this riding on their shoulders, the team feels like this was the first step in their journey toward a state title.
"We have worked hard for it our whole life and for it hopefully to come true, that would be something special. It is what we all want, what we all come in to work for, that is our focus and has been our focus,” Brown said.
Reagan County High School's contest against Colorado City will take place at the Junell Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets can only be purchased online.