(Posted March 17, 2023)
They were grrreat!
For years, Tony the Tiger has been a cereal symbol for excitement and hard work, with the commercials often showing kids participating and excelling in various athletic endeavors.
Recently, the Madison County Special Olympics junior varsity basketball team had a performance that would have made Tony proud.
Madison County’s JV Tigers concluded a tremendous season by earning the Special Olympics School Age Div. I hoops state championship with a resounding 34-4 victory over the Williams County Sharks. The game took place at the Bowling Green Community Center.
According to Lincoln Comer who coached the team with Mike Mast and Chris Zeeck, the team members made huge strides since they began together last fall.
“With each passing week, they began to trust one another a little more and eventually bonded as a group,” Comer said. “Once they bought into the concept of team ball, we knew we had something special.”
The Tigers, who finished with an 8-1 record, were led in the state championship game by Sam Smith and Hayden Thomas who tallied six points each. Teammates Brianna McGinnis and Jay Pedroso each added four points.
McGinnis led in rebounds with six, followed by Thomas with five and Pedroso with five.
Comer said the team wants to thank Madison Community Housing, the London Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for their support. In addition to those, Comer had another set of special acknowledgments.
“The coaching staff would like to thank the parents, guardians, families, and fans for all their wonderful support throughout the season,” Comer said. “Having fans and positivity in the stands is always a big thrill for our athletes.”
Members of the State Champion JV Tigers Team included: Khloe Appleyard, Caden Dixon, M.J. Fulton, Mya Green, Jacob Kellstadt, Brianna McGinnis, Jace Pedroso, Jay Pedroso, John Pierce, Zach Samuel, Roman Smith, Sam Smith, Titus Smith, and Hayden Thomas.
The Madison County Tigers are affiliated with the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
