Rewind to Feb. 9. The scene was a gym in Osgood during the girls basketball Sectional 60. The South Decatur Lady Cougars had fought tooth and nail and after a few clinching free throws the last ticks came off the clock and the buzzer sounded.

What at the beginning of the season was just a goal had become reality. For four seniors, four seasons of hard work had paid off. For the team it was the ultimate moment in a season full of ups and downs. The Lady Cougars were crowned sectional champions.

The tears fell from the eyes of athletes, parents, students, and fans alike. With the presentation of the trophy the celebrating and embracing began. It was almost like a dream come true.

The girls gathered by what was now their trophy and threw up their index fingers because, for at least one night, they were truly number one.

Fast-forward to March 1. The scene was a gym outside of Westport during the last seconds of the boys basketball Sectional 60. Both sides of the gymnasium watched in disbelief as a 3-point shot banked in for the South Decatur Cougars, giving them a two point lead.

It was almost like a prayer answered.

The final seconds ticked off the clock. The other team didn't get a shot off as the buzzer sounded. For three seniors, it was a more familiar feeling, two sectional titles in four years. For the rest of the team it was perhaps a sign of things to come. The boys’ Cougars basketball team was once again sectional champions.

As the boys grouped for a picture with what was now their trophy, the sight was familiar as they threw up their index fingers. For at least that night, they were truly number one.

And history was made. Never before had both South Decatur basketball teams won their sectional championship.

For the girls, the championship ended a six-season drought that saw three different coaches. For the boys a sectional championship was a more recent accomplishment; two in four years. However, it was their first season since 1995-96 that they had finished better than .500.

"It's always easy for people to find negatives and to criticize. But in this situation, it has been all positive. Hopefully, it will carry over into other things," said South principal Bob Hacker.

On the southern end of Decatur County, 2008 has been dubbed "The Year of the Champions." Spirit Club president Kaitlan King said she thinks the title is fitting.

"This is truly the year of the champion. I am honored to be a part of it," she said.

A year like this affects everyone involved in a positive way. For the players, the experience of winning a championship was unlike any other.

"It was amazing. Not many teams from South win sectional. It was very exciting especially since the boys and girls both won," said Daniel Skinner, a senior on the boys squad. "It makes you feel special."