ARTICLE: Cyril's State Tournament History and Tradition by Shekinah Gilliam

Post date: Mar 02, 2016 3:13:46 PM

Cyril has made state appearances 5 years in a row in basketball starting with the boys in 2007 by losing first round of state and 2008 girls ranked #6 losing first round of state as well. In 2009, 2010, and 2011 the Cyril lady pirates got runner-up in the State tournament (3 silver balls) Coached by Jeff Fletcher. The 2009 Lady pirates were ranked #4 with a record of 20-4,The 2010 lady pirates were ranked #1 with a Record of 24-4, and the 2011 team was ranked #1. The Lady pirates will continue the tradition this weekend as they make their first state appearance since 2011, Coached by Shane Mclemore.

Chelsea Reynolds and Shelbie Laughlin who were on the 2008-11 team to go to state, have two little sisters that will be heading to state this weekend they are Kea Mays and Fayth Laughlin. Shelbie and Fayth Laughlin also have a dad, Chance Laughlin, who made two state appearance in 1982 and 1983. Chaz Gilliam and Brock Cowen who made an state appearance in 2005 and 2007 also have little sisters, Shekinah Gilliam and Drew Cowen, who will also be playing in the state tournament this weekend.

Let's travel back a little farther to 1938 when the Cyril boys WON State! Or 1990 when Cyril boys made it to the Semi Finals, 1984 Kip Boggs (a huge pirate fan) team made a state appearance, 1989 Boys were State Semi Finalist with a season record of 23-8 and coached by David Davidson, 1985 a State appearance, and in 1994 our very own Coach Mclemore made his first appearance at state and got beat by the #1 team by 4 points, but at halftime the pirates were down 18 points with Mclemore only having 2 points, but during the 2nd half the pirates came within 4 points, with Mclemore ending the game with 26 points. Hopefully the tradition continues… Go Pirates!!

One of the best traditions we have done for making it to State is getting a delicious cake by Cynthia Malicoat. (Pictured below)

Here are some pictures from previous state appearances and lady pirate and pirate teams!