Under head coach Tiffany Vining, the Gilbert High School competitive cheer program has grown into a championship caliber program in Class 3A.

A year after finishing state runner-up, the Lady Indians took their first steps towards earning another title opportunity. They and Brookland-Cayce were among 19 teams that took part in the state qualifiers at Lower Richland High School.

Both teams were among the 14 qualifiers for the Nov. 19 final at Colonial Life Arena.

The Lady Indians placed third with 256.5 points. The Lady Bearcats finished eighth with 244.5 points, just 2.5 points behind defending state champion Wren.  

Belton-Honea Path, which won in 2020, finished first with 282 points followed by Palmetto with 263.5.

“I think (last year’s finish) has given us a lot of drive for this season,” Vining said. “We’ve seen it especially down there the past three weeks. They’re giving it all they’ve got.”

Vining said the Lady Indians will now spend the next 10 days looking to continue “cleaning up” and “fine-tuning” their routines for the state championship Nov. 19 at Colonial Life Arena.

The next two state qualifiers will take place in Chronicle Country. Lexington High School will serve as host of the Class 5A qualifier on Nov. 12 and Irmo High School will hold the Class 4A qualifier which was moved from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14.

The state championships are available for streaming for a fee at nfhsnetwork.com.

S.C. High School League Class 3A Qualifiers

1. Belton-Honea Path – 282
2. Palmetto – 263.5

3. Gilbert – 256.5

4. Seneca – 254
5. Daniel – 250.5
6. Chapman – 249
7. Wren – 246

8. Brookland-Cayce 244.5

9. Travelers Rest – 242.5
10. Blue Ridge – 223.5
11. Powdersville – 220.5
12. Lower Richland – 213
13. Walhalla – 212
14. Broome – 194