Prince Edward County Middle School is celebrating a historic achievement as both the girls and boys basketball teams have been crowned Southside Middle School Basketball Conference Champions.
During the semi-finals round on February 4, 2023, the girls team dominated the court with their impressive teamwork and determination, culminating in a nail-biting game where they secured their victory against Russell Middle School with a score of 25-23. Seventh-grader Kyla Barksdale’s buzzer-beater was instrumental in securing the win. The girls’ basketball coaching staff includes head coach Nicole Wahrman, manager Lauren Johnson, and assistant coaches John Robertson and Shaquinta Scott.
The boys team also had an impressive semi-finals run, showcasing their talent and sportsmanship. They overpowered Nottoway with a final score of 42-36, securing their spot in the championship round. The boys’ team is led by head coach Tylic Vaughan, assistant coaches Louis Gould, Malik Dabney, and Derek Robertson, and managers Jadai Green and Tymiere Harris.
The championship games were held on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Cumberland High School. The Lady Eagles entered the championship round with an undefeated season record of 16-0, where they earned their second championship title in a row with a 37-22 win over Powhatan. The boys made history as the first PECMS boys’ basketball team to ever win a Southside Middle School Conference Championship with their 46-42 win over Mecklenburg.
The PECMS Eagles had supportive crowds all season, but the epitome of dedication and school spirit is the PECMS cheerleaders! The cheerleading squad is led by head coach Martha Word and assistant coaches Lakeisha Watkins and Latonya Lockett.
The school and community are proud of the achievements of both teams and would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, and staff who have worked tirelessly to make these historical wins possible.
“To be the principal of a school with not one but TWO Southside Middle School Conference Basketball CHAMPIONS is beyond amazing!” said Prince Edward County Middle School Principal, Mrs. Shelly Clark-Reed. "Our students, their coaches, and their families are to be commended for a job well done. Here at our middle school, any student that plays a sport is expected to be a STUDENT-athlete, putting academics, positive behavior, and attendance at the forefront of what they love to do. Both the girls' and boys' basketball teams have worked hard, persevered, and will continue to be victorious!”