Members of Hartselle High School’s 1993-94 Class 5A state championship basketball team stand at center court after being honored prior to the Hartselle vs. Austin boys game Tuesday night. Team members are Markeys Barclay,Todd Bennich, Shaun Bundy, Dan Coulter, Brad Drake, Shane Hopkins, Jay Knowlton, Michahi Puckett, Barry Putman, Lee Rooks and Clay Styles. Not pictured is Jason Dean. Coaches are Don Pouncey, head, and assistants, Johnny Berry, Bobby Knowlton and Keith Wright. Managers are Craig Nash and Scott Stephenson. Not pictured is manager Chris Bresette. | Clif Knight

A standing ovation from fans greeted members of the 1993-94 Hartselle High School Class 5A state championship basketball team as they were introduced before the tip-off of the Hartselle vs. Austin varsity boys game Tuesday night.

Earlier the state champs and their families were treated to a buffet/reception and a guided tour of the new high school, marking 20 years since they defeated B.C. Rain 69-61 for the state 5A title.

Taking their bows in front of the partisan crowd were team members Markeys Barclay, Todd Bennich, Shaun Bundy, Dan Coulter, Brad Drake, Shane Hopkins, Jay Knowlton, Micahl Puckett, Barry Putman, Lee Rooks and Clay tiles, head coach Don Pouncey and his assistants Johnny Berry, Bobby Knowlton and Keith Wright and managers Craig Nash and Scott Stephenson. Team member Jason Dean and manager Chris Bresette were unable to attend.

The team compiled a 30-5 record and Knowlton, Coulter and Puckett made the all-tournament team.

Pouncey credited the success of the team to the closeness of the players.

“They worked hard and played together as a close-knit team all season,” he said. “It such a thrill to see them back together.”

“We practiced together on weekends and holidays anywhere we could find a basketball goal,” said Jay Knowlton. “But we didn’t think much about winning a state championship until we played in a Christmas tournament and did well. After that, we developed a lot of confidence.

“I’d say giving up self for the team had a lot to do with our success,” he added, but you have to give Coach Pouncey and his assistants a lot of the credit, too.”