28 May 2014 Lady Cats receive state championship rings

by Sonja J. Keith

The Conway High School Lady Cats got together Tuesday night to celebrate their state championship and receive their rings.

The Lady Cats beat the defending champs, Fort Smith Northside, 74-67, in the 7A basketball final March 16 at Summit Arena in Hot Springs.

Head coach Ashley Nance said players, parents and coaches enjoyed dessert at a gathering in the hospitality room at Buzz Bolding Arena. “It was a good night,” she said, adding that the players were excited to receive their rings in time to show them to classmates and teachers before school dismisses for summer. “They are very, very excited.”

Nance said the rings represent the culmination of the state championship season and are a “personal trophy” for each player.

After the Lady Cats won the state title, Nance sent a letter to local businesses asking for donations to purchase the rings. When she coached at Conway Christian School and her team won a state title, Centennial Bank covered the expense of rings so she sent a letter to Randy Sims who responded that the financial institution would fully cover the expense for the rings, nearly $7,000.

“That was such a blessing,” Nance said. “For Randy to do that shows how much he supports Conway.”

Other businesses also responded, donating about $500 that will be used by the basketball program.

Nance expressed her appreciation to the community for its support and to 501 LIFE for its coverage of the team. “The community has been great,” she said. “It shows how awesome it is to live in Conway.”

The coaches as well as players have already begun thinking and working toward next season, according to Nance. Tryouts are this week and three team camps are already scheduled for the summer.

Nance said although the core of the team is returning, a second championship will take some work. “I’m so pleased at what we accomplished,” Nance said. “I hope it leads into next season.”