By Marvin Featherstone

When I look back on the 1987 basketball season, I still can't help but smile. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and one of the greatest seasons in Hendersonville High School history. We finished with a 28-2 record and won the North Carolina Class 1A State Championship, something every one of us had dreamed about. What made it even more special was that our Hendersonville girls basketball team won the state championship on the very same day. It was a historic day that our entire community will never forget.

Our season took on a new level of excitement when twin brothers Brian and Kevin Combs transferred to Hendersonville from Kentucky. They brought talent, athleticism, and confidence to an already experienced team. They fit right in with our group, and before long, it felt like we'd all been playing together for years.

Scott King was our offensive leader all season long. Every night, Scott found ways to score and keep us moving in the right direction. His leadership gave our team confidence, and when we needed a big basket, we knew Scott would step up.

In addition to my offensive responsibilities as point guard, I took a lot of pride in playing defense. Coach Bobby Wilkins trusted me to guard the other team's best player, and I embraced that challenge every game. Defense doesn't always show up in the box score, but I believed then, and still believe today, that championships are won on the defensive end of the floor. Whether it meant diving for loose balls, forcing turnovers, or making an opponent work for every shot, I wanted to set the tone with effort and toughness. Looking back, I'm proud that my teammates knew they could count on me to do the dirty work that helped us win games.

Rodney Young was another player who made us better every single night. Rodney dominated the boards, gave us second chances, and provided the leadership every championship team needs. We also had tremendous depth. Five of our top six players were seniors, and that experience showed throughout the season, especially during the playoffs. Our team included future Division I football players Sam Gash and Eric Gash, whose strength, athleticism, and competitiveness made us even tougher. Every player accepted his role, and that's one of the biggest reasons we were successful.

As we entered the state playoffs, our confidence continued to grow. We weren't concerned with individual statistics or recognition. We simply wanted to keep winning and give ourselves the opportunity to bring a state championship back to Hendersonville.

The championship game at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill is something I'll never forget. Walking onto that floor in front of thousands of fans was an incredible feeling. We knew North Duplin was an outstanding basketball team, and we understood it would take our best effort to win.

From the opening tip, we played with confidence and intensity. Scott continued to lead us offensively, while the rest of us focused on doing whatever it took to win. Every possession mattered, and our defense kept us in control whenever North Duplin tried to make a run.

One of the greatest moments of the game came when Brian Combs exploded to the basket for an incredible dunk. The crowd erupted, and that play gave us an emotional lift at exactly the right time. Even today, people still talk about that dunk whenever the 1987 championship team is mentioned.

As the clock wound down, I remember thinking we were about to accomplish something special. When the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard showed Hendersonville 80, North Duplin 73, it was an unbelievable feeling. We had done it—we were state champions.

The celebration afterward was unforgettable. We hugged each other, celebrated with our families, and enjoyed every second of that moment. Then we learned that our girls basketball team had also won the state championship that same day. Knowing both teams had brought home titles made the day even more meaningful.

One memory that still makes me laugh is seeing Coach Bobby Wilkins dancing in the locker room after the game. Coach wasn't known for showing a lot of emotion, but that night he couldn't contain his excitement. Seeing him celebrate with us showed just how much that championship meant to everyone who had invested in our program.

As the years have passed, I've come to appreciate that championship even more. Winning the state title was incredible, but the friendships we built and the memories we created have lasted a lifetime. Sadly, we've also lost two of our teammates, Brian Johnson and Dennis Waters. They were an important part of our championship team, and I think about them often. Their contributions and their friendship remain a part of what made that season so special, and they will always be remembered as members of our championship family.

Nearly forty years later, I'm still proud to have been part of that remarkable team. We were talented, but more importantly, we trusted one another, accepted our roles, and played for something bigger than ourselves. From Scott King's scoring, Rodney Young's rebounding, Brian Combs' unforgettable dunk, and Coach Wilkins' locker room dance, to the defensive identity that defined our team, the memories of the 1987 Bearcats will stay with me forever. It wasn't just a championship season—it was a brotherhood, and I'm honored to have been part of it.