Kardell Robertson, who was born and lived in Bogalusa before moving to Baton Rouge to live with his uncle and aunt, Bryan and Shawanda Fitzgerald, was recently part of a first-ever state championship basketball team in Madison Prep Academy’s four-year history.

The top-seeded Chargers captured the Class B title with a 53-37 victory over Simsboro, capping a 42-3 season.

The margin was Madison’s closest playoff game of the season.

Robertson, who moved to Baton Rouge in 2011, had never played organized basketball until getting to high school. As a freshman this past season he started 23 games and averaged about five points and around five rebounds per contest.

Robertson, the eldest of five children, said the excitement level of winning was high.

“I was happy for my team, for my coach and our seniors and to bring the state title to Madison Prep,” said Robertson.

The 6-foot-7 center/forward said it was a good year.

“I started the season off with a good pace for my first year of playing high school ball. I took what I learned from the summer and transferred it to the game,” Robertson said.

Robertson competed in his first track meet Thursday and was in the high jump and javelin. He placed third in the high jump.

Madison basketball coach Jeff Jones said Robertson had some tough situations coming out of Bogalusa but improved in many areas, not just basketball.

“He grew as a person and a student this year, and that’s more important than the basketball,” Jones said. “He’s on track to being a productive citizen. He’s improved as a student, as a person and a basketball player.”

Jones said his basketball skills have become better since he arrived at Madison.

“He had never played organized ball before,” Jones said. “There was a lot of teaching going on. He learned quickly and has a great attitude. A lot of the learning took place on the fly.”