McCuiston was all smiles in Hot Springs

By COSMO COSSEY

Sports Connection Team

Omar McCuiston hoped to close out his high school sports career by bringing back a basketball state title to Lepanto after falling short in the Class 2A state football championship game. McCuiston did that and he was all smiles last night in Hot Springs.

“It’s a dream to win a state championship. The last time EPC won was in 2012 so for us it’s very big to win. Coming up short in the football final left us with that hunger. Growing up as a kid you see other teams winning state championships and you just wish it was you. Our day came this past Saturday and we were able to hoist that trophy. It was awesome,” McCuiston added.

McCuiston said preparing for the football and basketball title games were not very much alike. “It’s not the same preparation for the games. The mental part is kind of the same as you want to win and perform your best, but the they are different physically. I'm just blessed for the opportunity I was given in both sports,” McCuiston said.

McCuiston said defense is the key to winning. “Defense wins games and that has been the main thing since Coach Thaxton came to this team. We take pride in our defense and you hear a lot of coaches say this, DEFENSE WINS GAME, no matter what,” McCuiston.

McCuiston hopes to leave the same legacy for the young kids who will follow him playing at EPC as he got watching the teams growing up. “I hope to leave a big impact on the young kids looking up to me because that is how I was when I was younger with the impact those teams left on me. I hope to show them that, with a little dedication, blood, sweat and tears, along with a good team chemistry, you can be exactly where I am and even further,” McCuiston said.