For the past three years, the San Tan Roadrunners always seemed to come up short when it came time to win a championship. They always played well during the regular season, but they’d ultimately lose their momentum during the playoffs and come up just short of winning it all.
A member of the Roadrunners boys’ basketball team for the past four years, student-athlete Beau Burns Jr. has experienced his fair share of highs and lows on the court involving big wins and tough losses.
Even last year, the Roadrunners were the No. 1 ranked team in their division but did not bring home any championship hardware. This year the ball finally bounced the Roadrunners’ way, and they were able to reverse their fortunes and win the state championship.
On Saturday, February 24, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, San Tan Charter battled against the Rancho Solano Prep Mustangs for the 2A boys’ basketball championship.
The Roadrunners trailed the Mustangs in the beginning of the third quarter by 13 points. However, thanks to some stellar defense, by the end of the quarter the Roadrunners had scored 22 points to the Mustangs’ 2. Once the Roadrunners saw they were one quarter away from winning their first-ever championship, they gave it everything they had and left it all out on the court.
That proved to be the charm, and the San Tan Roadrunners secured their first-ever 2A boys’ basketball state championship by beating the Rancho Solano Prep Mustangs 69-54.
“When the clock struck zero, all I thought of was that trophy,” said Burns. “It was exciting. A lot of emotions. All of the years I’ve been in the gym. And what a way to end it, on my senior year,” he added.
Proud mom Michelle Fulwilder was there along with Beau’s family and loved ones when he hoisted up the championship trophy. “I’m just so happy for him,” said Fulwilder. She added how her son attended early-morning basketball practices while still succeeding in the classroom.
“I’m thinking of playing ball at the next level, but right now I want to see how things develop,” said Burns. Listing Arizona State University and Oregon as potential landing sites, Burns still loves the game of basketball but is taking his time in deciding his next move.
In the meantime, you will be able to find him playing in this year’s NABI tournament in July.
“He’s had a lot of ups and downs, but he’s been doing well, pushing his way through school, and he has a good GPA too. I’m very proud of him,” added Fulwilder.
