MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard Iowa City High School
– Iowa City, Iowa – April 2, 2008 There was a huge crowd and great excitement as both the boys and girls basketball teams from Iowa City High were honored among the nation’s best before a capacity crowd in Iowa City, Iowa. This is the first time that a school had both its boys and girls teams honored by MaxPreps as part of the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
The marching band, dance team and drum team performed to help celebrate the Little Hawks achievement as both teams received a standing ovation before an estimated 2,000 students and fans. The boys basketball team (25-1 on the
season) finished 13th nationally, while the girls team (22-3) was ranked 24th. The boys team was coached by Andy Woodley and girls team was coached by Bill McTaggart, Over 20,000 high school basketball teams competed for the coveted awards.
Steve Spiewak from MaxPreps and Lt Colonel Dave Lewis presented the Tour of Champions National Ranking trophies to a thunderous applause. Both teams came to the center of the basketball floor and held the trophy aloft for the crowd to see.
"This is my first time to Iowa and the first time we have ever honored two teams from the same school in the same year, "Spiewak said. "Maxpreps congratulates Iowa City High School on an incredible accomplishment."
Lt Colonel Dave Lewis said, "The Army National Guard is delighted to recognize the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that goes into winning this award. Congratulations to both girls and boys teams from Iowa City High."
Head girls coach Bill McTaggart said, "We would like to thank the fans and administration for your support throughout the season. We are honoured to receive this prestigious award."
The presentation concluded with team pictures.
Matt Gatens, named Mr Basketball for the state of Iowa in averaging 23 points per game, and Kelli Krei (19 points and 8 rebounds per game), led their teams to respective state championships and were named "captains"
for the all-state tournament teams. Both players, who were honoured for their accomplishments prior to the MaxPreps trophy presentation, will compete at the University of Iowa next year.
Congratulations to the Little Hawks of Iowa City High!!