McKinley celebrates state championship

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - For the students at McKinley High School, proud might be an understatement. The boy's varsity basketball team was introduced to thunderous applause and cheers as the school celebrated its first state championship.

"A lot of people are proud to be from Buffalo today. People are happy that kids from Buffalo were able to win a state championship," said Zaire Dorsey, the McKinley basketball coach.

Mayor Byron Brown also came to show his support in honor of the city.

"Now therefore, I, Byron Brown, mayor of the City of Buffalo, in jubilant celebration on behalf of all citizens, proudly proclaim Monday, March 18, 2013, as the 'McKinley Macks Day,'" declared Brown.

Senior forward Lovell Smith said the victory and having the mayor come and make Monday 'McKinley Macks Day' is one of the best things that has happened to him.

"It means a lot. It's nice to know that we have people watching and we have support at school. So it means a lot," Smith said.

Coach Dorsey, a McKinley alum himself, said that these boys are the closest he will have to having sons of his own and Reyjzon Jordan said coach was like an uncle to him. Dorsey says he hopes they can take this season as a life lesson.

"I hope they apply it to life, never to give up. When things aren't going our way you have to persevere, you have to find a way. You have to sit back and think about what you are going through. I just want them to take from this example not to quit or give up in life but to keep on moving," Dorsey said.