RALEIGH — Completing its circuit of competitions this winter, the Richmond Senior High School cheerleading team ended on a high note over the weekend.
The Richmond cheerleaders took to the floor for the third time in the past two months, this time as part of the North Carolina Cheerleading Coaches Association state championship on Saturday.
Held at North Raleigh Christian Academy, the Lady Raiders competed against other teams from across the state.
At the end of the day, Richmond earned second overall in the Small Varsity Division I Non-Tumble division.
Head coach Meredith Hood said there were six teams in the division and that Richmond “lost by less than two points” to Franklin High School.
Members of this year’s cheerleading team are: seniors Caden Hood, Akira Jackson, Madisyn Locklear, Tatum Rhyne, Sanajia Tillman and Abby Williams; juniors Sophia Chavis, Natalie Meacham and Lexi Medlin; sophomores Nevaeh Harris, Kylie Hood and Mattie Moss; and freshman Jada Scott.
Richmond brought home its second second-place finish this season, also taking runner-up at the Sandhills Athletic Conference competition in November.
The Lady Raiders also competed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state championship in December, but didn’t place.
Hood said the team was able to put together a strong performance because “we didn’t have to wait 30 minutes after warmups to perform like we did in December.”
“The girls did well with everything,” Hood said. “Our stunt teams did well and our cheer was really good. I think the girls were really confident after a good week of practice. A lot of the other teams were complimentary of our stunts.
“All of our girls have gotten better throughout the season,” she closed. “From the first competition, we’ve worked on timing and that wasn’t an issue (on Saturday). Everyone is much stronger and in shape because of all the repetitions in practice, and it paid off.”
Although the competition season is done for Richmond, the Lady Raiders will continue cheering on the basketball teams. A pep rally is scheduled for Friday ahead of senior night.
Sports editor’s note: Official scores from the competition weren’t available at the time of publication. Videos courtesy of Errol Hood.
