Cougill celebrates state title

After coming home disappointed in his previous trips to the state basketball tournament, there were no such feelings on Saturday night for Brennan Cougill as the senior big man led Sioux City Heelan to their first state title with a convincing 77-42 win over Norwalk. The future Hawkeye led the way for Heelan with 28 points and 10 rebounds, earning him Most Valuable Player honors for the entire tournament.

As the clocked ticked down to zero on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, the emotions of the moment took over.

"It was a great feeling," Cougill said. "Our team put in a lot of hard work in the off season going back to the summer. It felt really special to share that moment with 15 other guys on the team who were a big part of winning the state title. I wouldn't trade those guys for anyone in the world. They are like brothers to me. It was probably the best moment of my life so far."

The Crusaders jumped out early on Norwalk on Saturday night, opening up an early 21-11 lead after one period thanks to Cougill in the middle and some sharp shooting from the outside by his teammates.

"Tanner (Ferguson) hitting those three's early was really important and it sort of set the tone for us that it was probably going to be our night. When he and McCabe are hitting those shots, it opens up lanes for me inside and for Zach to drive. It really worked well for us last night."

Following the win, Cougill was honored as the Most Valuable Player in 3A. Later that evening Cougill was also named the MVP of the entire state tournament.

"That meant a lot to me that with all of the great players there they ended up choosing me as the Most Valuable Player. It is a great honor."

Cougill and his teammates celebrated the win at a local restaurant in Des Moines and then traveled back to Sioux City where they were greeted by a gym full of their fans at Heelan, who gave the team a rousing standing ovation.

"It was great to see everyone in the gym to support us like they have all season and give us a standing ovation. That was pretty special," Cougill said on Sunday evening.

After the game he also received a message from Iowa assistant coach Chad Walthall, who was his primary recruiter that congratulated him on the win and said he was really proud of the way he played.

While the last two days have been pretty special for the 6-foot-9 and 250 pound big man, on Monday it will be back to work in the gym.

"Starting tomorrow I am hitting the weights again. I have to get ready for Iowa and get ready to play for the Hawkeyes."