Conference Champs!!

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It wasn't easy, and that's OK.

Important sports victories aren't supposed to be easy. You're supposed to have to work for them, fight for them, go after them with every ounce of energy you have.

AK's Michelle Ojo (right) battles Berry's Jordan McLaughlin.
(Photo by Jeff Siner, Charlotte Observer)

So, so proud of our Ardrey Kell Lady Knights for doing just that -- winning 3 games in 4 days, including Friday's 44-43 triumph over Berry, for the SoMeck7 title.

Front: Riley, Kennedy, Meghan, Lucy, Trinity
Middle: Nia, Michelle, Evan, Stephanie, Grace, Emerson, Torrie
Back: Coach Nadel, Coach Buseick, Melissa (manager), Coach Queen
(Photo by Roberta Nadel)

It's AK's 6th consecutive season with either the regular-season title or conference tournament championship (usually both).

We have excellent team chemistry, we work hard, we have fun together, we have talent, everybody knows their roles, we're tough, we have heart. That's how a team wins!

Evan Miller and  Meghan Rogers
celebrate as final horn sounds.
(Photo by Jeff Siner, Charlotte Observer)

After a 1-2 start to our conference season, we finished with a 12-game winning streak in league play. We take a 22-5 record into the North Carolina 4A tourney, which starts next week. It's AK's 9th straight season with at least 20 wins.

I've only been around for the last 2 of those seasons, and I'm honored to be associated with this outstanding program, thrilled to work with these dedicated athletes and privileged to do anything I can to help Coach Jeff Buseick and our other assistant, the incredible Queen Smith.

Coaches huddle during time-out to discuss strategy
before Coach Buseick talks with team.
(Photo by Roberta Nadel)

Onward and upward ... let's see how long we can enjoy this crazy, exhilarating, wonderful ride!

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Congrats also to the Ardrey Kell men's team, which also won the conference title with a dramatic, one-point victory over heavily-favored Olympic.

It was an exciting game that, like ours, came down to AK getting a defensive stop on the very last play.

Way to go, guys!
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