FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Something was different this week in the halls of North Central High School. While the same, old school bell rang right on schedule, there was a feeling of excitement for something most Thunderbirds have never experienced before.
“It’s been really exciting because I’ve never gotten to experience anything like it, and I just think it’s a really cool experience,” North Central cheerleader, Aubree Hauser said.
In fact, this moment is history in the making.
First, a historical regional championship.
“It means a lot to everybody here, first time it’s ever happened, so everyone’s really excited,” North Central Men’s Basketball player, Jaden Hooper said.
Now, a shot at the Ladybird’s first semi-state championship in program history.
“I’m looking forward to the girls hopefully winning and getting that experience,’ Samantha Nickless, a North Central Cheerleader said. “I’m really excited for them,” she added.
On Saturday the T-birds head to New Albany to take on 12th-ranked Wood Memorial in hopes of bringing home more hardware.
“We’ve been working on this moment for a while now,” Senior Ladybird, Kimber Ladson said. “So, to do this ending on our senior year, it’s a great feeling,” she added.
But not before the school decked out in honor of school spirit and sang the school fight song loud and proud during a pep session — all in support of the Ladybirds Reginal Champion Basketball Team.
“We can’t wait to be in New Albany cheering on our Ladybirds,” Hauser said.
Hooper’s message to the Ladybirds, “Play hard, hustle, and win. Let’s go to state and win state,” he said.
And to the team, the community’s support means everything.
“It’s very special for us,” Ladson said. “The more people we have there, the louder it is, and we play better off of energy. So, it means a lot to us.”
WTWO also checked in with North Central Principal, Nancy Liston. She was on the first Sectional Championship Team in school history back in 1977. Liston remembers when IHSAA stepped up and created the girls’ basketball program back in 1976.
She and the Ladybirds went on to win back-to-back sectionals in her junior and senior years. Now, in her final year before retirement, she’s happy to see the community continue to support the Ladybirds.
“The same people that come to our games today are the people who say ‘Hey I was there in 1977 when you won a sectional. I was there in 1978 when you won a sectional.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I know.’ They’re my neighbors up the road and they’re like, yeah, ‘we were there then.’ So, yeah that was really special and to be a part of that is the best ever.”
Thunderbirds will make the long trek, about three hours one way, down to New Albany Saturday to join the team, who left Friday.
WTWO will have the game highlights.
