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Film on HHS's 1972 hoops championship wins major award

Starters shown with Coach Jim Pardue were Johnny Landrum, Dennis Braswell, Brian Tallent, Tippy Creswell and Harold Albany. [COURTESY OF 'TIN CAN MAN']

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 15, 2024

A film about one of Hendersonville’s most beloved basketball teams has won a major journalism award.

“The Tin Can Man,” the Prep Legends Media documentary film about the underdog Hendersonville High School boys basketball team that captured the 3A state championship in 1972, was honored with a Green Eyeshade Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Since 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards have recognized the best in journalism from across the Southeast.

“The Tin Can Man” and other digital content about the team won third place for Best Online Sports Reporting.

“This is a high honor we proudly share with the good people of Hendersonville who believed in this story and helped us bring it to life,” said director/producer Keith Dunnavant.

The award-winning production team also includes director of photography/editor Jonathan W. Hickman, digital media coordinator Joe Beamon, graphics coordinator Maggie Hickman and assistant editor Layla Khan-Hickman.

The film premiered at Hendersonville High School in 2022, with ticket sales benefiting the Henderson County Boys & Girls club. Presenting sponsors included Fazio Design, Hunter Automotive Group, Morrow Insurance, Triangle Stop Food Stores and Vista Strategies. For a limited time, it will remain available to stream for free at here.