OKLAHOMA CITY — In the lower bowels of the Big House on Saturday afternoon, Kellen Hines exited the Fort Cobb locker room for the final time of his high school career with a half-filled grape Pedialyte bottle and a ginger smile on his face as a throng of family and fans — including children decked out in Mustang blue — took pictures with the senior star and gave him hugs of support.
Even in defeat, there was reason to celebrate the 2,000-point scorer’s stupendous career which saw him win three state championships and Gold Balls, as well as a Silver Ball in his finale following Fort Cobb’s runner-up finish with a 57-52 loss to rival Cyril in the Class A state title game.
“It means a lot. It’s hard to recognize what all the support does for everybody but at the end of the day, it makes a big difference,” Hines said of the fans greeting him postgame. “I started crying out there but just trying to hold it back because I’ve had a great career and a lot to be thankful for.”
Hines — who had his three state championship rings decorating his fingers as he exited the locker room — scored 16 points in his finale, six of which came in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to lift the Mustangs to a fifth straight state championship.
Hines, who logged 31:58 of the 32 minutes on Saturday, wasn’t quite himself physically.
“I think in the first quarter like on the second play of the game I went up for a layup and caught a cramp instantly. I guess I should’ve got an IV yesterday,” Hines laughed. “I gave it my all so I can’t be too mad at myself.”
“Kellen was throwing up and cramping. He’s dehydrated I think,” said coach Scott Hines, which explained the Pedialyte. “It’s a tough deal.”
While Fort Cobb finished 24-8 and runner-up, Kellen Hines sees the season as a huge success, and rightfully so after replacing several key members from last year’s championship team.
“I’m very proud. Not many people thought we’d be here, and these guys continually got better and stepped up. I wasn’t even sure if we’d make it this far,” Kellen Hines said. “These guys will have a great season next year, too.”
For the Mustang seniors who won three championships together, Saturday was a bitter pill to swallow, but another title game appearance is something most players only dream of.
“These older guys have had a heckuva run,” Fort Cobb coach Scott Hines said. “We lost to a great team. We knew that game could go either way. Not one of these guys would want to trade title, title, title, runner-up with the thousands of other players out there. It’s been a pretty good run for them.”
In his final game with his father, Scott coaching, Kellen couldn’t help but get a bit choked up once the buzzer sounded.
“It’s very emotional, trying to hold some emotions back,” Kellen said. “It’s been a tough journey, but it’s been fun and worth it. It’s good to be able to relax now and take a mini break from sports.”
Hines signed with Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford while his brother Cameron continues to excel with USAO in Chickasha. Their father is excited for what’s next after winning multiple championships with both in the Big House.
“It’s tough. You always want to go out the last one with a win,” Scott Hines said. “Try to keep it in perspective both my boys Kellen and Cameron have had an unbelievable run. It’s so rewarding. It’s hard to put into words how fun it is.”