Visitors at Beech High School on Feb. 21 saw a tribute to Jayden Bailey, the 17-year-old Lebanon basketball player who died Feb. 19 after a nearly four-year battle with cancer. A picture of Bailey holding a basketball sat atop a table where fans could donate to his family's GoFundMe page for medical costs.
Lebanon senior Marques Anglin said he felt Bailey's presence during their 46-44 victory, noting 'He's been with us the whole time.' Coach Jim McDowell recalled how Bailey remained dedicated to basketball despite his illness, including dressing for games straight from Vanderbilt Hospital. 'He was a hooper, man, you hear me?' McDowell said, highlighting Bailey's spirit through his cancer battle.