It’s not every season Franklin County has a local team go deep into post-season play. This spring, however, as most student-athletes transitioned into baseball, softball and other spring sports, basketball fans still had some on-court action to be excited about.

Belgreen’s boys basketball team went all the way to the state finals this year, and we want to send our congratulations to the players, the coaches and, really, the whole school for an excellent and exciting end to the season.

In the end, it’s the red map the Bulldogs have brought home instead of the blue, but that level of achievement is “nothing to sneeze at,” as the saying goes.

The excitement was evident as Bulldog fans prepared to cheer on their team Friday, and we loved seeing the community support these student-athletes as they pursued their passion and put it all on the line for Belgreen basketball.

To tell the truth, it would have been an accomplishment even if Belgreen had lost versus Notasulga March 2, considering the Bulldogs advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2000. And who did they have to beat to advance past the regional finals? Reigning state champion Pickens County – and they did it in convincing style, with a 73-58 final score.

And they didn’t lose to Notasulga. There was just no quit in the Bulldogs this year, as they beat Notasulga 66-44 to punch their ticket to the title game Friday.

Although the Bulldogs couldn’t quite overcome the Autaugaville Eagles, losing 38-34 for the runner-up finish, we hope every player is holding his head high.

This season, and a second-place finish, are absolutely something to be proud of.

We’re certainly proud of you.

Congratulations on your accomplishments this season!