02/27/2026
“The Assist heard 'round the city.” 🏀✨
Meet Willie Burnley ( #13). In 1955, Willie was a senior reserve for the legendary Crispus Attucks Tigers. He wasn't the leading scorer; in fact, he had scored less than 10 points the entire season. But Coach Ray Crowe knew the value of every man on his bench.
In the final moments of the historic 1955 State Championship game, Coach Crowe put Willie in to ensure he was part of the glory. At that same moment, Oscar Robertson was just one basket away from breaking the scoring record. The play was called: "Get the ball to Oscar."
But Oscar Robertson did something that defined the spirit of the Tigers forever. He took the ball, looked at the record book, then looked at his teammate—and passed the ball to Willie.
Willie Burnley made the final two points of the championship. 🏆
Though Willie’s life was tragically cut short by leukemia just seven years later, the bond of that team never broke. While he was hospitalized, his teammates—led by Oscar—visited him constantly and raised so much money for his expenses that they were able to make major donations to the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia Foundation in his name.
In our production of “A Touch of Glory,” Willie returns as an angel to narrate the story of that unforgettable "assist." It’s a story of brotherhood that transcends the game of basketball.
📢 SHARE THIS STORY: Help us honor Willie's memory by sharing this post to your page!
🎟 BHM EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL: Use promo code INHERITANCE26 to get your discounted tickets and see Willie’s story come to life on stage. {Link in bio}
