The eighth grade girlís basketball team ñ the Falcon Firebirds ñ at Falcon Middle School has been victorious for almost a decade. After seven years of being undefeated, they have made a stellar name for themselves.Many of the girls grew up playing basketball together, and many have been on the same team since the second grade. Their successful past is what makes them a close and distinctive team.ìWe knew from the start that we were a good team and that we would go far, said team member Kailey Lucky.Not only do they have a perfect record, they also took the gold at the Tri County League championships in February. It wasnít an easy win, either. They had to fight the odds to even get there.Supportive Falcon parent Kimmy Cockrum said the girls had a difficult time because of questionable penalties. Because of the penalties, they lost their home court advantage and for awhile their coach, Tony Murphy. However, physical education teacher Terry Porior and science teacher Jeff Petrie stepped up to volunteer to coach the girls.And they proved their strength, skills and determination when they won first place at the TCL championship by defeating Fountain.ì[My first reaction was] excitement; we worked so hard for it; we deserved it,î said player Kelsey Boyd. ìThey tried to put us down but we just got back up Kelsey Boyd.îTogether for seven years as a team, they have improved on every aspect of their game, and theyíre about to move up to high school. They accept the challenge ahead of them with enthusiasm.ìWe have the spirit to win, we have the desire,î said team member Mary Wilmore. ìBeware of us Falcon, get out of our way!îThe girls on the team are not only talented athletes, but also bright and determined. Five of the girls on the team have a 4.0 grade point average and overall the team has a 3.5 average. ìEveryone on this team pushes each other to stay in school and play better,î said team player Kylie Cockrum.Coach Murphy is back and supports their efforts. ìItís so rewarding to watch them mesh as a team, Murphy said. ìThey kept their eighth grade drama issues to themselves and worked as one, which has made them unbeatable. [Next year] they should definitely be a state contender; people will be talking about them.î
