Tate Surber takes lead in family's legacy for McKenzie boys basketball

Tate Surber had a goal on the basketball court while playing at McKenzie.

Beat his brothers.

Jack Surber had a total of 1,021 points in his Rebels career and won the Jackson Sun All-West Tennessee Player of the Year in his senior year in 2016. He played baseball at nearby Bethel University before studying law at Ole Miss. Middle brother Eli Surber played for McKenzie from 2018-21, fell short of 1,000 points and now works on the family farm. Ben Austin, a first cousin to the Surbers, also reached 1,000 points for the Rebels.

“I always wanted to get to where (Jack) was and pass him,” Tate Surber said. “Doing that was definitely something I wanted to do.”

That competitive spirit was driven from the kids playing against one another growing up. Tommy and Meredith Surber, the boys’ parents, also instilled a meaningful work ethic in their sons.

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Tate Surber, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior, knew he was closing in on 1,000 points and didn’t think too much of it – Jack’s total was what he was after, as long as the Rebels kept winning. The Rebels have lost once since Dec. 28, by 10 points to Houston County on Feb. 2.

The Monday after the loss to Houston County, Surber and the Rebels were at home against Big Sandy – and Surber needed 38 points to reach 1,000 and 59 to match Jack’s total.

He dropped 40 in the win.

“I was never fortunate enough to go for 40 points in a game,” Jack Surber said, laughing. “There’s definitely times when you’ve got that feeling, you get in the flow and do what’s best for your team. Then, when the shots are falling, that’s always a good feeling.”

The next night, against Milan, Tate Surber scored 22 points to lead the Rebels to a non-district win – and surpass Jack’s career total.

Along with the success on the court, football is a big focus for Surber. He was the starting quarterback this season for the Rebels’ run to the BlueCross Bowl . Surber finds time about once a month to work with Thomas Morris, who operates QB Country, a quarterback training program out of Nashville.

Surber is also dedicated to his work on the baseball field, where he’s pitcher, shortstop and outfielder for McKenzie.

After the Rebels wee eliminated from the state tournament last season, the bus was running late and Surber wanted to get back in time to start on the mound against TCA. Coach John Wilkins drove Surber back to Gibson County in time to get some swings and get ready for the start.

Surber threw a no-hitter that night.

“He’s just one of those once-of-a-generation kids that does it all and is pretty humble,” Wilkins said. “He doesn’t talk about himself, he just does whatever is asked of him – works hard. I’m glad he’s a junior, but I wish he was a freshman.”

On the basketball court, the Rebels are aiming to make another run to Murfreesboro after losing to Johnson City in last year’s state quarterfinal.

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McKenzie means the world to the Surber family. Tate Surber wants to win for his Rebels. Finding a way to put McKenzie on top while putting his name in the record books is exciting.

“I’m just competitive, I just want to win,” Surber said. “I grew up in McKenzie, fully immersed. It’s been my whole life. So being able to put my name up there with some of the best to do it, it means a lot.”

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Tate Surber takes lead in family's legacy for McKenzie boys basketball