2023-2024 Teams of the Season
Randy Marion will recognize one female and one male team each season for the 2023 – 2024 School Year!Â
FALL 2023
Team of the Season: Lakeshore XC (MS)
After having 8 of its top 15 runners unable to run during the ISS Championship Meet last season due a flu bug, the Lakeshore XC team has come into this season with a mission in mind. The team puts in countless miles to make this season a success. The core group is in their third year running together and is led by 8th-grade phenom Claire Zimmerman and a host of strong 8-grade boys. The team has added a number of out-of-district events to its schedule in order to run against the top teams in the state of North Carolina.
Over the past three years, this team has grown into more than just a sports group. They have transformed XC into the “cool sport” at the school. Many of the runners have even committed to running at the next level as a result of their experiences at Lakeshore after just joining the team in order to stay in shape for another sport. From the fastest runner down the roster, these kids cheer each on, push each other in training, and always support each other in the classroom and hallways of school. Last season 35 of the 47 runners were Honor Roll Students with many being Jr. Beta Club members.
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As coach of this group, I could not be prouder of a group of kids. Each practice, I can see a determination to make themselves better by building both their physical and mental fortitude, which then transfers out of the sport into their daily lives making them better individuals.
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WINTER 2023
Team of the Season: Lake Norman Boys Basketball
The Lake Norman Boys Basketball Team had a phenomenal season going 28-3 keeping their only two regular season losses within a three-point margin. The team worked hard all season to continue to improve even with their two losses over the regular season.Â
They would go on to finish at the top of their conference before a deep run into the state playoffs.Â
Last season saw the team knocked out of the playoffs early with a 19-8 record to finish the season. This year they improved going all the way to the final four where they faced a challenging team. The wildcats would keep the game close and only fell by four points 65-61.Â
The team continued to push towards improvement and excellence all season and didn’t allow setbacks to hold them back.
SPRING 2024
Team of the Season: South Iredell Girls Lacrosse
In the heart of our town, there exists a beacon of determination and camaraderie: the Women’s Lacrosse Program of South Iredell High School. This program is not just about wins and losses; it’s about fostering a culture of perseverance, passion, and love for the game.
Over the years, the South Iredell lacrosse team has faced numerous challenges, both on and off the field. From tight matches to tough losses, they have encountered setbacks that would have discouraged many. Yet, through it all, these remarkable young women have displayed an unwavering commitment to each other and to the sport they love.
What sets this program apart is not just its skill on the field, but the bonds that have been forged off it. The players and coaches have built a tight-knit community where support, encouragement, and friendship thrive. They understand that success is not just measured in goals scored or games won, but in the strength of the relationships they have built and the lessons they have learned together.
This past year presented an additional challenge as the team graduated 10 starting seniors, each of whom had been instrumental in the program’s success. However, true to their resilient spirit, the team stepped up to the plate and gracefully assumed their new roles, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and dedication for the younger players to emulate.
Through their dedication and perseverance, the South Iredell Women’s Lacrosse Program has become a shining example of what can be achieved when a group of individuals comes together with a shared purpose. They have shown us that resilience is not just about bouncing back from defeat, but about growing stronger in the face of adversity.
As we celebrate the achievements of this remarkable team, let us also recognize the countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination that have gone into building such a vibrant and successful program. May their story serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of teamwork, passion, and a never-give-up attitude.
Here’s to the resilient women of South Iredell High School Lacrosse, may your love for the game continue to fuel your success both on and off the field.
