MASSILLON – Tiger town was roaring on the afternoon of April 12 as fans took to the streets to celebrate the Washington High School basketball team’s state crown.
A community parade drew hundreds or more to parts of downtown to honor the Tigers’ 2026 Division II state championship. The event was followed by a rally on Duncan Plaza.
“It’s our first-time basketball championship in forever. And I love it!” said Bette Stalker, 86, a 1958 WHS graduate. “It’s great seeing Massillon always show up to support its sports teams.”
The parade stepped off around 5 p.m. on Lincoln Way E at Eighth Street NE. The Massillon Tiger Swing Band led the way, as cheerleaders, players and coaches followed. Fans cheered everyone on the route, which proceeded west to Erie Street and south onto Tremont Avenue, before heading east and up First Street SE to Duncan Plaza.
While on the plaza, players and coaches were introduced, as chants of T-I-G rang out among the crowd.
“This is really something — to see everyone out here,” said Tiger coach Josh Hose.
Heather Miller, of Jackson Township, said she ventured to the parade mainly to see her granddaughter, Chloe Hall, a sophomore, perform with the swing band. Miller said the basketball championship means a lot to the community.
“It’s nice to come out and support the team. They won it all, so that’s pretty cool,” she said.
Tigers finish 2026 hoops season with championship, 27-1 record
The Tigers defeated Westerville North, the reigning state champions, in overtime March 22 with a 68-63 come-from-behind victory, earning the team’s first basketball championship in a state final. The game was held at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena.
After the win, hundreds of Tiger fans ventured to Duncan Plaza on the evening March 22 to greet the state victors as they returned with a first-place trophy.
The Tigers finished the 2026 season with a near-perfect mark of 27-1. They capped a 24-game win streak with the championship win.
Devin Hazzard, a 2012 Washington high grad, brought his four kids out to the April 12 parade, calling the event a special moment for the city.
“I’m a big Massillon fan. Football, baseball and basketball — we watch it all,” he said.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Celebration! Massillon fans salute Tiger basketball team with parade
Reporting by Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent / The Independent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
