On Thursday, January 27, the Osceola Magic (Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate) hosted Osceola Ranchers Night to acknowledge Osceola County’s rich cattle ranching culture.
According to osceolahistory.org, cattle have been a part of Osceola County before it even became a county in 1887, granting the city of Kissimmee the title of “Kowtown.”
As a part of the celebration, different displays of farming culture in Osceola County where on display, including the Harmony High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) club.
“Osceola County has had a ranching culture for a very long time… and we have several families that have been around for a long time as well, so I think it is a great way to honor them,” Harmony High School FFA Advisor, Sara Czipulis, said.
The event was organized in partnership with the Silver Spurs Riding Club, which is a non-profit organization focusing on keeping the rodeo tradition in Osceola County alive.
In attendance was the club’s “Big Boss” Randy Booth, who was given the game ball and the “Game Changer” award.
“It brings into the limelight that we’re still here, there’s still cattle here, there’s still ranchers here, and it’s still a huge part of this county,” Booth said, when asked about the event.
Led by back-to-back NBA Dunk Contest Champion and the only G-League player in NBA history to win the contest, Mac McClung, the Osceola Magic came into the Thursday game with a 5-6 record facing the 10-5 Westchester Knicks.
After three quarters, the Magic faced a 2-point deficit as they headed into the 4th quarter, but a hot 14-0 run halfway through the 4th quarter allowed them to gain a significant lead that the Westchester Knicks were not able to overcome.
The game culminated with a 119-111 Magic victory, with Javonte Smart making his presence known all over the court during the 4th quarter. He ended the night with 20 points and 6 assists coming off the bench.
Ethan Thompson led the team in scoring with 23 points with five Osceola Magic players finishing the night with double digits.
“Any time you can beat one of the best teams in the league, it gives you a lot of confidence. We have been playing some great defensive basketball lately, which has kind of morphed our identity a little bit… But hell of a performance against a great team tonight,” head coach, Dylan Murphy, said on the team’s overall performance Thursday night.
The Osceola Magic will look to extend their three game win streak as they head to Wilmington, DE to face the Delaware Blue Coats on Sunday and next Tuesday.
For more information on their upcoming games, check their online game schedule or follow them on social media at @osceolamagic on Instagram and X.
