Just days after the Griffith High School Boys Basketball team was involved in a frightening crash as their bus rolled over on an expressway while they traveled to play a semi-state game, the team took to the court to play that very same game.
With a police escort and the community cheering them on, the team left on a bus once more, headed to face Marion High School in the semi-state matchup.
“It’s an astonishing story,” said parent Terry Cichon. “It’s a ‘by the grace of God’ type of story for sure.”
Every player on the team was hospitalized over the weekend after the bus carrying the team overturned on I-65 near DeMotte, Indiana. Another driver had sideswiped the vehicle after spilling her drink, authorities said.
The team was headed to Lafayette to compete in the Class 3A semi-state game against Marion High School. Griffith earned a trip to the state championship last year, but didn't win the final game.
“We left town today with a police escort and the whole community out there and you know how kids are, we're just trying to keep them real calm right now, get 'em to do what they need to do,” said Head Coach Gary Hayes.
Hayes said the team had only been able to practice once since the crash.
The Griffith High School Boys Basketball team lost by a basket, with a final score of 60-58. But the team the team's doctor said it was a miracle the players were able to make it to the court.
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"They're pretty banged up. Some were too broken to play, some are playing with breaks," team doctor Lorin Brown said.
Fans seemed unfazed by the loss, commending the boys for their effort.
"It's still a win, because they're here to play the game," fan Michael Smith said.
