OKMULGEE, Okla. – For the first time in Wilson Tigers boys basketball history the team traveled to the state tournament and returned home with the Golden Ball winning the championship game against Frontier at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.
It was Tigers vs. Mustangs in the finals, as the Wilson boys took on Frontier. They came out on top, scoring 69 points to the opposition’s 45 points.
Entering the games at 29 wins and two losses, statistics were against the boys heading into the tournament against their undefeated opponents. Wilson defeated Frontier after their six-year championship run.
During the game Zabrien Shelburn scored 27 points, Zion Shelburn scored 15 points, Ke’Shon Shelburn scored 13 points, Charles Shelburn scored six points, and Andrew Wilson with four points for a total of 65 points.
Coach Grant Proctor (Mvskoke) is a Wilson alumni and former Tigers basketball player. He personally recalled the last basketball team going to the state tournament during his fourth grade year in 2002 where they lost in the quarter finals.
Coming back to his home court to coach this time, Proctor wanted to “change the culture” by making himself more accountable as a coach and mentor for his team. This year’s team of 18 players was rather large for a Class B team. “It has been a fun ride thus far,” Proctor said.
Coaching his fifth year at the school, Proctor knew he had an opportunity at his feet and a goal in his mind when the season started. “I knew this group coming up was special,” Proctor said.
The Shelburn Brothers
The starting lineup consisted of four brothers from the Shelburn family. Charles (Junior), Ke’Shon (Sophomore), and twins Zabrien and Zion (Freshman) who are each tribal citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
According to Proctor, each of the brothers are leading in every statistical category in one way or another. “It’s a unique story,” Proctor said. Losing only one player that is a senior, Proctor has high hopes for next year.
“Next year is not going to be one of those years where we kind of come in under the radar,” Proctor said. “This year we were able to kind of sneak past certain people because we haven’t been traditionally good in the past.”
The Shelburn quad has put Wilson on the Class B Division’s radar for the next few years. Another member of the Shelburn family who is currently in the seventh grade has yet to make his high school debut. According to Proctor, the brothers help bring a brotherhood bond and family atmosphere on and off the court. This year’s title win has encouraged Proctor to get back to work with the returning team members.
“I am going to do whatever it takes to try to get back to that game and put my team in the same position,” Proctor said.
Mvskoke Proud
Proctor believes each player on the team holds tribal citizenship with most players being Mvskoke. The boys were honored for their victory by MCN Principal Chief David Hill, MCN Second Chief Del Beaver, and MCN National Council Speaker Randall Hicks on March 6 at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee. As the team stepped off the bus and entered the Dome, they were greeted by the Nation’s dignitaries. The team was honored with a proclamation from Chief Hill, who recognized and congratulated them for their dedication that resulted in a history-making season.
Chief Hill reiterated the team’s motto, “It’s just work” and spoke to the team about how hard work pays off.
“Every Monday morning, I tell my staff, “Just do it,” Hill said using the quote from Nike. He stated it’s not much different then the team’s motto, even after a basketball season is over life is just work and working hard is the key to success.
Chief Hill had the players sign a Wilson Tigers Hoodie. The hoodie will be framed and hung in the Mvskoke Dome along with the proclamation and certificate gifted from the Chief’s Office.
