High school player broke Larry Bird's 50-year-old record with a dramatic ending

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In an incredible display of skill and determination, a Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana, instantly became a local legend by surpassing a significant milestone set by the great Larry Bird. On Jan. 13, Deion Edwards broke Springs Valley High School’s single-game record after scoring 56 points in a 101-98 victory over Austin.

Indeed, it was a feat to be proud of for Edwards as Bird held that record for a staggering 50 years, having scored 55 points in a game against Corydon in 1974. Admittedly, Edwards wasn’t aware that he was a few buckets away from making history during the game. In his head, he just wanted to help his team win.

However, Edwards said he had a clue that he was about to achieve something astronomical because his mom was rooting for him to shoot his final free throw of the game. Like in movies, Edwards nailed it to officially break Bird’s record.

“I started the game hot,” Edwards said after the game. “Hit two threes and then got to the fourth quarter. It was so close. I just had to keep scoring, just trying to win the game.”

“I didn’t know for sure, but I was kind of thinking because my mom was in the background jumping up, saying, ‘Hit the free throw, hit the free throw, hit the free throw,'” he remembered.

Deion made a name for himself in French Lick

From tipoff to the final buzzer, Edwards did pretty much everything on the court, knocking down treys, attacking the rim, and making a huge impact on the floor. It was late in the overtime when fans in attendance realized that Edwards could make the unthinkable happen.

Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement and pride during the game as Edwards edged closer to passing Bird’s long-standing record. With under two minutes left in OT, Edwards, who already tallied 53, sank a game-tier and drew a foul. After making the free throw, Edwards etched his name in history books.

“For that record to go down, it meant a lot as a community as a whole,” Springs Valley High School head basketball coach Jonathon Bowles said. “That record lasted for 50 years. There are a lot of guys talking about playing with Larry Bird. These guys will be able to say we played with Deion, who actually has the single-game record.”

Deion could be French Lick’s next Larry Bird

Edwards’ sensational performance that day certainly linked him to Bird. Having showcased his incredible scoring prowess, Deion earned the respect and recognition of French Lick natives. Perhaps some may be thinking he could be their next Larry Legend.

Currently standing at 6-foot-5, Edwards could grow a few more inches as he goes along and be as tall as the 6-foot-9 Bird. Like Larry, the youngster also plays the small forward position and can drain it from anywhere on the floor.

Now that he has already broken one of Larry Legend’s records, only time could tell if he could also follow in the footsteps of the “The Hick from French Lick.”