State Cheer Champions
Junction City claims 1A-2A cheer title
HOT SPRINGS - Junction City already got what it wanted for Christmas Friday as the Lady Dragons' cheer squad won the 1A-2A Cheer State Championship at Bank of the Ozark Arena. Junction City scored 74.30 in the finals to beat Carlisle (71.50), East Poinsett County (68.80), Murfreesboro (65.60) and Greenland (61.10).
“There aren't enough words to describe how proud I am of this group of young ladies,” said Junction City coach Michelle Smith. “We started working back in June with camp and worked throughout the summer. We were thrown a few curve balls here and there with injuries and some other issues. We had to rework the entire routine during Thanksgiving break. The girls bought into what we knew we had to do and dug their heels in and put in the work.”
In the final round, Junction City posted the best scores in cheer (31.50) and building (25.70) and also tallied marks of 18.10 overall for a base score of 75.30. The Lady Dragons were deducted 1.00 point.
“We felt going into the competition today that we stood a good chance of winning. Had a little mistake, but continued on to deliver a solid routine. They left it all on the mat and that's all you can ask for,” said Smith, who talked about the support the squad received.
“Our school is so blessed with a community that always supports their student-athletes whatever the sport may be. The faculty and staff of Junction City Schools embrace each student with their best interest at heart and show them nothing but love and support whatever the case may be.”