In the annals of Texas high school basketball, few teams have captured the imagination of their town and the country like the Athens Hornets boys’ teams of 1929 and 1930. Over two unforgettable seasons, they emerged as a national powerhouse, claiming back-to-back National Championships, led by Coach Jimmie Kitts and a cast of extraordinary players. This Thursday, Dec. 5, these two remarkable teams will be inducted posthumously into the AISD Athletic Hall of Fame.
The 1929 season began with a roster that bristled with potential. Anchored by veterans John “Preacher” Tompkins, Wendell “Doc” Sumner, and Bennie Tompkins, the Hornets were a team of both talent and personality. John Tompkins, a towering 6-4 forward with a massive wingspan, dazzled fans with his trick shots, behind-the-back passes, and defensive prowess. Sumner, a scrappy center with a knack for scoring in the paint, became the team’s steady leader. Together, they embodied the Hornets’ unique blend of skill and showmanship.
Coach Kitts, with his low-key demeanor and innovative approach, allowed his players the freedom to adapt on the court. This trust paid off as Athens tore through a demanding schedule, claiming 21 victories in 22 games leading up to the state tournament. Along the way, they drew massive crowds, including 5,000 fans in El Paso, where they defeated a local powerhouse in back-to-back games.
At the state tournament, the Hornets overpowered their opponents despite injuries and illness, with Sumner playing through the flu and Buster Brannon sidelined with a sprained ankle. In the championship game, John Tompkins devised a radical “box-and-one” defense that stifled Denton’s star player, propelling Athens to a 22-11 victory and the state title.
But the season’s crowning achievement came at the National Tournament in Chicago. Over six grueling games in five days, the Hornets showcased their brilliance, defeating elite teams from across the country. In the final, Tompkins’ defensive adjustments and Sumner’s relentless scoring delivered a 25-21 win over Oklahoma’s Classen High. Athens returned home as the first small-town team to capture the national crown, greeted by thousands of cheering fans and a parade featuring the Baylor University band.
The 1930 season presented new challenges. Four starters, including John Tompkins and Doc Sumner, had graduated, leaving Coach Kitts to rebuild with a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. Bennie Tompkins transitioned to guard, providing calm leadership and precision passing, while Freddie Tompkins stepped into a starring role alongside center Herbert “Lucy” Reynolds and forward Dana Henderson.
The Hornets embraced their underdog status, compiling a 28-4 record leading into the District Meet. They dominated their competition, easily dispatching Woodville, Hemphill, and Tyler to win the district title before securing a decisive 56-16 victory over Elkhart in the Bi-District playoff. However, an ankle injury to Reynolds cast a shadow over their state tournament hopes.
Fate dealt the Hornets a tough hand at the state tournament, where they faced Denton in the first round. Despite three regular-season wins over their rival, Athens struggled with foul trouble and missed free throws, ultimately falling 24-19. While their state championship dreams were dashed, the Hornets received an invitation to return to Chicago and defend their national title.
Determined to make amends, Athens embarked on a grueling journey to the National Tournament, playing road games along the way to stay sharp and fund their trip. In Illinois, they staged a thrilling comeback against Johnston City in front of 2,000 fans, before also securing victories over teams in Springfield, Illinois, and Jackson, Michigan.
In Chicago, the Hornets once again rose to the occasion. Over five games in four days, they dismantled their opponents with suffocating zone defense and precision offense. Freddie and Bennie Tompkins were instrumental, with Freddie’s lightning-quick passes and Bennie’s clutch shooting earning praise from sportswriters across the country.
In the championship game against Jena, Louisiana, Athens built a commanding halftime lead and withstood a late rally to secure a 22-16 victory. With their second consecutive national title, the Hornets became the first team in tournament history to win back-to-back championships, returning home to another parade.
Both years, the courthouse square became the epicenter of hours-long celebrations, with fans pouring into the streets to share in the triumph. This “Golden Era” in Athens left an indelible mark on high school basketball in Texas, and for two magical seasons, the Hornets transcended the game, becoming symbols of excellence and unity for the entire country.
NOTE: Credit to “Athens’ Day in the Sun: The Story of An Early High School Dynasty” by Ron Hendry for preserving these teams’ histories.