Champions Again

"It’s been all about redemption and that means something different for every single person here.”

Lexington senior McCants Cromer

Class 5A Competitive Cheer Final Results

1. Lexington – 341

2. River Bluff – 338.5

3. Chapin – 336

4. St. James – 323

5. Dutch Fork – 305

6. Fort Mill – 303.5

7. Blythewood – 293.5

8. Clover – 288

9. Nation Ford – 287.5

10. Boiling Springs – 285.5

11. (tie) Carolina Forest and T.L. Hanna – 283

13. Spring Valley - 276

14. Summerville – 267.5

15. James F. Byrnes – 254.5

16. Dorman – 245.5

Since Class 5A was created by the S.C. High School League, the competitive cheer championship and runner-up trophy for that classification has remained in one place.

The places those trophies have resided in Chronicle Country have varied over the past six years. Region 4-5A teams Lexington, Dutch Fork and Chapin have monopolized owneership of first and second place. 

That trend continued Nov. 19 at Colonial Life Arena. This time, it was the Lady Wildcats who came away with the championship followed closely by the Lady Gators in second place for the second time in four years and defending champion Chapin in third.

The Lady Silver Foxes rounded out the top five behind fourth place St. James.

It was the second Class 5A title in three years under head coach Leigh Watson and fourth overall for Lexington. For seniors like McCants Cromer, the latest championship had added meaning given last year’s runner-up finish.

“This year it’s really been about our team aspect from the beginning,” she said. “We started our team off with a Neon Glow party and from then, I knew this team was special. These are all my best friends. I look forward to seeing them everyday at practice and it’s been all about redemption and that means something different for every single person here. Some people in their first year. Some people their fifth year. It’s all about redemption and bringing it back to Lexington.”

Watson admitted being less shocked with this latest finish as compared to last week’s tie with River Bluff at the qualifier. In a region with “steller” programs like Chapin, River Bluff, Dutch Fork and an “up-and-coming” program in White Knoll and passionate coaches, she’s not surprised by the overall success.

Watson also credited the overwhelming support of athletic director Perry Woolbright and the overall administration.

“I think per that gives us that foundation to build on, then it just let’s these folks do and go and be and push and work hard,” she said. “It’s not lost on me that not every school does not have that. So, we’re very blessed to have that.”