The West Charlotte High School Senior class had a lot to celebrate Friday at their Honors and Awards ceremony. Academically and athletically, the West Charlotte seniors excelled; earning the most scholarship money a class had ever received as well as a girls’ basketball state championship and an impressive national ranking. The seniors all gathered around the auditorium, proudly wearing their graduation cap and gown. Friends and family were also in attendance; happily supporting their soon to be high school graduate.
However, this was about basketball and the final stop to a memorable 20 city, 18 state, 3rd annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. The West Charlotte Lady Lions grasped their very first state title in 38 years, finishing their season by winning 24 of their last 25 games. The awards ceremony began with the entire senior class filing in while family and friends rose to their feet and cheered. The N.C. Army National Guard table sat, center stage displaying the prestigious Minuteman National Ranking Trophy as well as commemorative t-shirts and basketballs.
North Carolina Guardsmen, LTC Aiken and SSG Ruiz shook student’s hands as they were called up to the stage for his/her individual award. Finally, MaxPreps rep, Nick Reasons was summoned to the stage. He began to describe the Lady Lions’ tremendous accomplishments as a team, as well as their overall national ranking out of 20,000 women’s’ basketball teams in the country. Reasons then introduced LTC Aiken. LTC Aiken also spoke of the girls accomplishments on the court as well as their leadership and commitment to themselves and teammates off the court; similar to that of a National Guardsmen. LTC Aiken then called out to Head Coach Mobley to present him the National Ranking Minuteman trophy. Players, friends, family and school faculty members all begin to cheer, showing their support for the girls.
After the ceremony, all the Lady Lions reconvened with Coach Mobley to take some final pictures with their newly acquired Tour of Champions t-shirts and trophy. I wish the girls good fortune in the years to come, go Lady Lions!
