The initial reaction was natural. The Albert Lea Tigers and their fans were disappointed at falling just short of what would have been one of the biggest upsets in state tournament history. The things that went wrong at the end of their 42-39 loss to No. 3 rated Shakopee are, as coach Matt Addington noted, things that happen during the course of a basketball game. The fact they happened on the big stage called the state tournament at Target Center made it hurt more.

But along with the disappointment should come perspective. When was the last time 17 bus loads of people traveled to Minneapolis to watch the Tigers play basketball? And how many people even expected them to get that far?

The Tigers’ preseason aspirations included a state tournament berth, but inconsistent play and a number of close losses left them with a regular-season record of 12-13 &045; and plenty of doubts. They left it all &045; the tough losses, the questionable calls that did not go their way, the bad bounces &045; behind them when the section tournament began. Believing in their ability and their coaches, the Tigers proved the naysayers wrong and put Albert Lea in the state tournament for the first time since 1936.

The 2004-05 Tigers were a classic Cinderella story and, for about 31 minutes on Wednesday, it was not out of the question to entertain thoughts of a Hoosiers-like run to the finals. It just was not meant to be.

Yes, it was tough to watch the Tigers come so close to knocking off one of the top teams in the state. But we can’t forget how great it was to see them get there and how enjoyable it was to watch them go toe-to-toe with mighty Shakopee, which dominated Andover 69-51 Thursday to advance to the state championship game.

The 2004-05 Tigers showed us a lot, but one thing in particular comes to mind: Regardless of what people say or think, or if things don’t go the way you planned, if you continue to believe in yourself, work hard and prepare properly, anything is possible.

The story of this year’s Tigers is not one of disappointment. It’s one of perseverance, faith and, ultimately, triumph.

Their first appearance in the state basketball tournament in 69 years may have been a brief one, but one thing’s for certain. They made the most of it.