Miami Lakes Middle School’s girls basketball team are the new champions!
The Tracie Pullum-coached Warriors defeated Southwood Middle School, 52-36, for the Miami-Dade County Middle School Basketball Championship two weeks ago.
It was the first championship in the school’s history.
The first two quarters of the championship game were close, but Miami Lakes Middle pulled away and claimed the championship.
The team of sixth, seventh and eighth graders celebrated the victory with their coach on the court.
“I was ecstatic,” Pullum said. “I knew they could do it because they have worked very hard during the season. I am happy for them but they are more happy for me.”
The Warriors played a nine-game regular season schedule and advanced to the postseason.
The team kept their eyes on the big prize, playing together with “great” teamwork to accomplish their ultimate goal.
Pullum, who has been coaching the Warriors for more than 15 years, said the hard work her players put in finally paid off.
She said seventh graders Veonce Powell, Colleen Bucknor and Darria Whitley were the team’s MVP’s this season.
Winning the championship was extra special for Pullum, who played basketball for Miami Lakes Middle, for leading her alma mater to the title as a coach.