Ring ceremony held at MHS

Members of the Manila Lions 2023 state championship basketball team and cheerleaders shared one more shining moment as fans recently filled the high school auditorium for a ring ceremony.

It was the first time since 1962 that the Manila senior basketball team had brought home a state championship trophy.

The athletes and fans enjoyed watching a video with highlights of the 2022-2023 season. After the state rings were presented, a second video featuring the last minutes of the championship game against Bergman (61-57) once again brought back the excitement of the victory.

Manila cheerleaders receive state championship rings.

Scottie Reinhart served as the cheerleading coach and presented the cheerleaders with their rings expressing her appreciation to them for their dedication and thanking them for allowing her to be a part of the great season.

Cheerleaders receiving rings were Aubrey Polk, Eden Chipman, Rowyn Shanks, Kylee Lasater, Cheyanne Penn, Gracie Ball, Kinley Moore, Madison Terry, Kinsley Stabb, Caitlin Cole, Emily Pryor, Eva Marsaal, Jaelynn Meadows, Hailey Miles, Taye Holifield, Eboni Brown, Haley Harvey, Ella Harvey, Aspen Potts, Kylee Yates and Gracie Morris.

Coach Lee Wimberley who coached the 2023 state champs returned to Manila for the ceremony praising the players, parents and fans.

“It is every coach's dream to coach in a state tournament,” he said. “It is great just to get there but this team won it. They never gave up. The excitement and energy are because of you all. I’ve been away only two months but nothing can compare to the support of the Manila fans. This team knew how to focus. They showed their true character. Parents, you have done a great job. Thank you boys for taking us on that ride.”

The graduates of the team got to hear their name announced with enthusiasm one more time by announcer Danny Helms as they were called to the stage to receive their rings. Members of the state basketball championship team receiving rings were Hudson Harrison, Carson Baltimore, Kohner Gann, Colton Burns, Kendan Crane, Rex Farmer, Luke Kirk, Tannyn Palmer, Koltan Kisner, Bri Neal, Luke Beach, Jaron Burrow, Costner Smith and Brayden Nunnally. Also receiving state rings were the manager, Aidan Master, scorekeeper and coaches.

A few of the cheerleaders and players were unable to attend in person but were part of the ceremony through FaceTime.

High School Principal LeAnn Helms said the rings were ordered through Joslin’s and paid for by generous donations.

Following the ceremony refreshments were served to the guests.