The Lady Kings continue to strive for success as they claim the Sectional Championship title for the first time at Lewis Cass in 19 years. The Lady Kings have had an incredible season ending their regular season 19-3. They then drew North Miami in the 2A sectional draw. The Lady Kings had previously played the Lady Warriors, and knew this game would bring some challenges, but still pulled a win in overtime with a score of 35-34. The Lady Kings then faced the Winamac Lady Warriors and won the sectional title 45-25. The Lady Kings were overwhelmed with joy as they received a trophy. Coach Amor added, “There are a lot of emotions that go with this win. One is excitement. I’m so excited that the girls get to experience this. Watching their faces as they cheered and held up their trophy and cut down the net was so rewarding. I’m overwhelmed with pride.”

The Lady Kings have faced adversity this season but pushed through and continued to achieve success. Throughout the season the Lady Kings have achieved some pretty amazing things. Mylie Sipe was two three-pointers away from tying the record for most threes made in the game. Nicole Bauer and Olivia (Collins) Woolever are tied for most threes scored in a game. Mylie added, “I was two three-pointers away from tying the record and three three-pointers away from breaking the record. I wish I could’ve broken the record, but Coach asked us to stay away from 3’s because Coach thought the record was nine and not seven.” Mylie led the Kings in scoring on Friday night against North Miami with 9 points all made from threes. Mylie was also asked if leading in scoring from the three-point line was rare as a primary post player, and she responded, “As a post player it’s unique to score most of my points from the three-point line. Most people think I score from the paint when I score almost all my points from the three-point line.”

Aftin Griffin also helped the Kings with her amazing athleticism. Aftin has made it to state for cross country and track. Aftin was asked how different it feels to be headed for success as a team versus as an individual, “It was such an amazing experience moving on with a team. The way we celebrated on the court afterward, in the locker room, on the bus, and even back at the school was so much fun and nothing like I have experienced yet in my other sports. It’s such an incredible feeling to have your team surround you as you’re all jumping up and down with joy.”

As always Heta Kosunen has helped the Lady Kings with her ability to play basketball and her experience of playing in another country. Heta was asked how this sectional championship and her country’s championship compared, “Both are very intense with good teams taking part in both. The championship tournament (in Finland) was a longer process, compared to the relatively short sectional weekend, which is something I enjoyed more. What I also found really interesting is the fact that sectionals are open for everyone regardless of the prior season while the national championship requires a long process during which you might lose your chance to play for the championship.” Heta was also asked which was more difficult, and what the process of winning in her country looks like, “ The sectional championship (was more difficult) because due to the small size of Finland, there are not many good basketball teams and therefore you end up playing the same teams year after year.”

The Lady Kings are headed to Bellmont on Saturday, February 10, to face the Fremont Lady Eagles. The regional game is a ninety-minute drive to Bellmont. Coach Amor was asked if this long drive would affect his players’ ability to play, and he responded, “The travel will not affect our girls. They get to play in a Regional with a solid chance to be able to cut down another net and bring Cass’ first Regional Championship ever in girls’ basketball. We’d travel five hours to get that opportunity. I do worry it will affect the crowd and the amount of fans willing to watch. I know for sure our community would have packed Winamac to its seating capacity. I hope they are willing to do the same at Bellmont.” Coach Amor was also asked if he thought this was a fair location, and he responded “Bellmont is a location that is probably more fair for both schools. It was definitely a fair change.”

The Lady Kings are one historical team and have worked so hard to reach success. The Lady Kings have the first winning record in over 20 years and are the first team in 19 years to claim a Sectional Championship. This game will be one you want to fill the bleachers for. Come out and support your Lady Kings as they compete in a record-breaking game.