At the commencement of the first game of the state tournament, the LTHS white team members lined up on the bench and prepped to play Jacobs High School at Illinois State University as the coaches passed out sweat towels that read “Never Give Up.” This inspiring message helped motivate   the team to win the game, 54 to 40, advancing them to the championship game on Saturday.

When asked how she felt after the big game, Grace Furjanic ‘14 said “Amazing.”

“I am most proud of our player’s genuine determination to not only win, but act as one unit and support each other,” Head Coach Abby Shapland said.

With about 50 LT fans, including Principal Dr. Waterman, in attendance to cheer the team on, supportive chants could be heard and posters of encouragement could be seen throughout the game.

“It was chilling to hear the fans cheering for our players,” Shapland said. “It was certainly a true display of our school’s sportsmanship and loyalty.”

LT led for the entirety of the game on Friday, with help from lead scorers Will Medina ‘15 and transition student   Cody Jacobson, both of whom scored 20 points.

The team’s Friday win advanced them to play in the Division 9 championship on Saturday where they lost to Hinsdale South 53 to 24, resulting in a second place finish.

“The State tournament was so meaningful for our players because it demonstrated our team’s growth, resiliency and determination over the course of the season,” Shapland said.

With a new coaching staff this year, there was a learning curve, but the players’ unwavering excitement, allowed the coaching staff to work together and get the job done, Shapland said.

“It certainly helped us as a coaching staff to see and feel [the players’] enthusiasm every time we played,” she said.

Although Special Olympics does not focus on records, the three basketball teams each ended their season on a high note. The Gold team earned second place at the District tournament, the Blue team earned third and the White team earned first and placed second at the state championship.

“Nobody was out for an MVP award—they were out on the court playing for each other,” Shapland said. “I think there’s a lot to be said about a group of kids who want to win on behalf of their school. That’s truly what made me most proud all season.”

At the state tournament, coach Darwin Depina asked the white team “Who are we playing for?” and the entire team immediately said “LT!”