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By C.Y. Peters

In the winter of 1960, a group of determined young men from Hampton High School carved their names in Tennessee basketball history. Dubbed “The Little Men of the Mountains,” this scrappy, undersized team defied the odds, taking on—and defeating—the best high school teams in the state. Under the guidance of legendary coach Buck Van Huss, the Bulldogs captured the TSSAA state championship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

The Team That Defied the Odds

Despite their lack of height, Hampton’s players made up for it with speed, skill and heart. Led by captain Willie Malone, the Bulldogs had a balanced roster featuring standout players like Carl Robinson, Wes Forbes, Jerry White, Richard Hyder, Arnold Hughes, Ed Holtsclaw, Ray Green, Glen Hayes, Cotton Nave, Larry Montgomery, Jimmy Jones and Wayne Ellis. Each player brought something special to the team, whether it was defensive grit, sharpshooting or leadership on and off the court.

Coach Van Huss, in just his sixth season as Hampton’s head coach, had a unique ability to inspire his players. Wes Forbes once recalled, “Coach Van Huss would go out of his way to help you as a person to better yourself.” That influence extended beyond the court, as several players from the 1960 squad, including Malone, later became ministers.

The Journey to a State Title

Hampton’s road to the championship was filled with dramatic moments. In the regional tournament, Sullivan stunned Kingsport in the opening game, opening the door for Hampton to claim the regional crown by defeating Lamar. Both teams advanced to state, but Lamar was eliminated in the first round, while Hampton began its remarkable run by edging out Lexington in a thrilling contest.

On Tuesday night, they faced Dover and emerged victorious. Then came Thursday’s semifinal showdown against Memphis Treadwell. The Bulldogs pulled off another upset, setting up a battle against undefeated Murfreesboro, which had won 31 straight games. This game was particularly memorable, as heavy snowfall had forced school closures, allowing many Hampton students to make the trip to Nashville. Due to an unusual jersey mix-up—both teams wore similar colors—Vanderbilt’s coach provided Hampton with Commodores’ uniforms. Though the jerseys were oversized, the Bulldogs played their hearts out and shocked Murfreesboro, giving Van Huss his 200th career win. After the final buzzer, students rushed the floor and carried Buck off in celebration—only to realize they had taken him to the wrong locker room!

A Historic Championship Game

The championship game against Union City was set for Saturday night in front of more than 6,600 fans, one of the largest crowds ever to watch a high school game. Union City was loaded with talent, featuring stars like Charlie Forrest, Hardy Graham (the eventual tournament MVP), John Ed Miller and Lee Grasfeder. But the Bulldogs were unfazed.

Hampton stormed out to a 16-5 lead at the first break and never trailed, securing the title and setting a TSSAA record that still stands: five wins in a single state tournament. Reflecting on the experience, Van Huss later said, “My team didn’t set any goals. We were just happy to go to Nashville. If we had lost the first game, we would have come back thinking we had a great season. But we just kept winning and enjoyed it.”

A Legacy That Lives On

The 1960 Hampton team finished with an astonishing 44-4 record. More than six decades later, its legacy remains a cherished part of Carter County’s rich basketball history. Many members of that legendary squad stayed connected to the game and their community. Jerry White, who was only a sophomore on that team, went on to become a successful coach at Hampton, winning nearly 750 games and making five trips to the state tournament. Richard Hyder later helped Elizabethton’s girls’ team win a state title in 2014 as an assistant coach.

Even today, memories of that championship season are relived at Dino’s Restaurant during the Wednesday Legends Lunch, where Jerry White and Carl Robinson are regular attendees. Before their passing, Willie Malone and Wes Forbes were also fixtures at these gatherings. The Rev. Bobby Stout, known for his uncanny Buck Van Huss impersonations, occasionally joins, adding to the nostalgia.

As the 2024-25 basketball season nears its end, the story of the 1960 Hampton Bulldogs remains one of the greatest in Tennessee high school sports history. The “Little Men of the Mountains” proved that heart and teamwork could overcome any obstacle, a lesson that continues to inspire generations of Hampton athletes and fans.