The Lady Royals varsity basketball team entered the 2008-09 basketball season with six seniors and seven returning letter winners. Seniors Jeanette Pettigrew, Alyssa Presley, Melissa Knepper, Jessica Glenn, Victoria Risenhoover, and Serena Wyatt provided the leadership and solid foundation for a successful season.
The Royals finished the season with a school-record 19 wins and four losses, winning 12 of their last 13 games. Finishing in second place in the PAC 8 league for the third straight year, the team achieved a league record of 12-2 and advanced to the district semi-finals, eventually losing 38-31 to Smithville High School, ranked third in the state.
Most importantly, the team worked hard together and cared for each other as individuals. They realized that their success was a blessing from God and demonstrated that by praying as a team before and after practices and games. The team’s resolution captured this commitment: “In every athletic situation whether practice or actual competition, I will dedicate myself to give a total release of all that I am – mentally, emotionally, and physically – to become just like Jesus. I will determine to conduct myself in a way that will please the Lord rather than gain any recognition from men.” The Royals lived out these words by never giving up, always devoting their highest amount of energy when they played.
The award winners for the season were senior co-captain Jeanette Pettigrew, first team PAC 8, second team all Tri-County; senior co-captain Alyssa Presley, honorable mention PAC 8, honorable mention all Tri-County; and junior Turea Moore, first team PAC 8, honorable mention all Tri-County.
Thanks and congratulations to Coach Vince Curry and the junior varsity team, which finished the season with another school record of 19 wins and one loss. Thanks also to Coaches Elyse Bogus and Jim Gillespie, "stat man" Al Yarmesch, score keeper Joe Hambrick, and to Debroah Defer for announcing the home games. A special thanks to all the parents for their support in working concessions and providing power meals. Congratulations to the Lady Royals on a successful season!

In His Service, Coach Stalnaker