Southern Gap High School took another step toward its historic opening this fall by announcing its inaugural varsity and junior varsity basketball cheerleading squads following tryouts held June 17 at the Roger and Susie Rife Park gymnasium.
The teams will be among the first athletic groups to represent the Eagles when Southern Gap High School opens in August. The new school will serve as the lone high school in Buchanan County and will accommodate students in grades 8-12 from the Council, Grundy, Hurley and Twin Valley communities.
Varsity coach Angie Wolford said she was impressed by the athletes who participated in the tryout process.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort, determination, and heart these athletes showed throughout the tryout process,” Wolford said. “The talent this year was incredible, making some very difficult decisions. Our new squad is filled with athletes who are eager to learn, willing to work hard, and committed to representing the Eagles with pride. This group has tremendous potential, and I’m excited to watch them grow together, support one another, and make this a memorable season.”
Claire Griffey was selected as captain of the varsity squad, while Taylor Cook will serve as co-captain.
“Being named Basketball Cheer Captain means so much to me,” Griffey said in an interview with the Mountaineer. “It is about more than cheering at games. It is about bringing energy, supporting our team, and representing Southern Gap with pride. Being the last Basketball Cheer Captain at Grundy and now getting the opportunity to be the first Basketball Cheer Captain at Southern Gap High School is very special to me. I have worked hard for this since I was very young, and being able to reach this goal means a lot. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who has supported me along the way. I can’t wait to lead my teammates, cheer on our players, and make this basketball season one to remember.”
Members of the inaugural varsity basketball cheerleading squad are Lily Lester, Chloe Skeens, Tenley Stiltner, Kami Roark, Anna Conaway, Morgan Hagerman, Kenzie Deel, Holly Childress, Kira Boyd, Ava Bucklen, Karissa Hurley, Bree Looney, Kali Stiltner, Claire Griffey, Taylor Cook, Aubrey Rice, McKenna Justice and Myiah Bell.
Ashlyn Scammell was named captain of the junior varsity squad, while Cecilia Potter was selected as co-captain.
Members of the inaugural JV basketball cheerleading squad are Aubrey Hurley, Autumn Yates, Aleigha Reynolds, Chasity Farmer, Ariana Swiney, Madisyn Yates, Alyssa Wright, Angela Lin, Kylie Cline, Ashlyn Scammell, Cecilia Potter, Mercades Hurley and Isabella Blankenship. The junior varsity squad is coached by Kourtney Justus.
The squads will cheer for Southern Gap basketball teams during the school’s first season of competition and will help establish traditions for the Eagles’ new athletic program.
Southern Gap will begin classes in August and becomes Buchanan County’s lone public high school, uniting students from four longtime county schools under one banner.
