Berkshire lost the Division III regional final to Chanel on Saturday night.

There was no state final four ticket to be punched, no grand celebration.

But make no mistake, the town of Burton and the surrounding communities need to appreciate what happened with this team.

Berkshire was unseeded in the district tournament - the 5th seed only because the rules are every team is seeded - but the Badges made a run to the regional finals that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Every fan wearing purple and white should understand what their team did to get to the elite eight and how close they came to Columbus. If they don't, then - I'm sorry - they weren't paying attention.

Berkshire was 5-6 at one point this season. An average to below average team, just waiting to win the CVC Valley in many people's eyes, but they kept coming. There were 14 wins in a row later, and it took a talented Chanel team to keep the Badgers from Columbus.

Not too shabby.

You want to rally around a group of hard-working student-athletes and a coaching staff? Get behind this one, folks. Burton Township and the rest of the Geauga County community shouldn't shed a tear for missing out the state final four. Be proud of an accomplishment that isn't promised to be seen again anytime soon. A 25-20 lead in the second half of a regional final? Mark it down and remember this team. Remember Tim Goff and his contributions for four years before he goes off to Wheeling Jesuit. Remember the rest of the squad who gave you all they had until there was no more to give.

What a run Berkshire had. Never forget that if you are a Badgers fan or a fan of high school basketball in general.

Congrats all around to the Berkshire Badgers, to Coach Pete Moran and his staff. If the community at large is smart - which I know they are - they will appreciate it and not let the heartbreak of missing out on a trip Columbus get in the way of what has been quite a ride.

- BTilton@News-Herald.com