LINTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After defending their title in Indianapolis, the Linton-Stockton Lady Miners return home as back-to-back 2A Indiana State Champions.
Smiles and even a few tears were on display Saturday as the Lady Miners were welcomed home by family and friends. As the final seconds dwindled down Friday night, senior Aubrey Burgess, says the moment became surreal.
“You don’t really know what it feels like or really think about it until reality really hits and it really did last night,” said Burgess. “That’s the last time I ever put a Linton Lady Miner jersey on and got to play with some of these girls. They’ve all become my best friends but also my family.”
Lady Miners head coach Jared Rehmel says it wouldn’t have been possible without what he calls “a special group of seniors”.
“They changed the dynamic of Linton girls basketball and the program and the community,” said Rehmel. “I think they changed a lot of perception on what girls basketball looks like. Every once in a while, a special group like this comes along and these girls embraced it.”
Rehmel says playing during a pandemic wasn’t easy but there were other factors that made this season more difficult than the last.
“Last year we were kind of under the radar. We didn’t get a lot of state recognition and we kind of rode our momentum into the postseason,” said Rehmel. “This year you go in and you’re ranked number one and just all over the state, you’re constantly hearing about it.”
Burgess says though COVID-19 made for a different type of season, they still made the best of it.
“With COVID and everything, it was probably the best year I’ve ever had in my entire four years here,” said Burgess. “If I had to pick out of the four years, it would be this one all over again.”
Coach Rehmel says the school will hold a pep rally to celebrate the title on March 3rd at 6p.m.
