As part of the 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, MaxPreps traveled to the Sunshine State April 21 to honor the
Dillard (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) boys basketball team on a historic season and a high national ranking with a trophy presentation.
Dillard's marching band kicked off Friday's pep rally with a stirring round of melodies and tunes familiar to the hyped up students and fan base in attendance to celebrate the boy's basketball team's 2016-17 accomplishments.
MaxPreps representative Kayla Ellenwood spoke of the team's historic accomplishments in Florida and nationwide before Sergeant First Class Mecco Vaughn of the Florida Army National Guard presented the nationally ranked banner as well as the prestigious Army National Guard national ranking trophy to Head Coach Darryl Burrows.
The trophy consists of a "Minuteman" statue symbolizing discipline, hard work, dedication, readiness and a commitment to excellence, characteristics the Army National Guard strives for.
Coach Burrows was appreciative of receiving this prestigious award and thanked the school for all of their support. After the presentation, the players showcased their talent in a school-wide dunk contest. Pictures were then taken and interviews conducted by players and coaches.
The Panthers finished the year with a 28-4 record and ended the season by topping Edgewater of Orlando 75-43 to claim the Florida 7A state championship for the second straight year. Dillard has now won twelve state titles. MaxPreps ranked the Panthers No. 20, out of more than 20,000 boys basketball teams. Furthermore, Dillard was one of only 20 basketball teams in the country to receive the impressive hardware.
Congratulations to Coach Burrows and to the Panthers on your memorable championship season! We look forward to many more!
Click
here to view the Dillard TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Basketball TOC, please visit the
MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.
Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
