Benton Harbor Boys Basketball Team receives key to the city

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Benton Harbor Boys Basketball Team was presented with the key to the city Monday evening.

The team won its first state championship in 53 years in March.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad joined other city leaders to congratulate the players as they lined up to receive their medals.

Head Coach Corey Sterling talked about the excitement surrounding the milestone win and the honor. “It's just a dream come true, I was born and raised in the city of Benton Harbor, played on state championship team in 1993,” he said.

Point guard Devan Nichols added, “A couple people from the 64-65 team told us ‘You're gonna be stars forever.’ This is gonna be something they remember for the rest of their lives. It's been so long since the last time we won a championship.”

Sophomore star, Carlos Johnson, hit the game winning 3-pointer near the end of overtime to secure a dramatic 1-point win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central at Michigan State University's Breslin Center.

The Tigers were also honored with a parade through Benton Harbor after the big win.