BELTON -- Congratulations to the Bishop Lynch cheer program for finishing second place at the TAPPS state championship yesterday. The cheer team had one of their best-ever routines and executed it phenomenally. Not only did they get second place, but the team also received a superior rating.

Bishop Lynch moved up a division this year in the competition, and by doing so were going up against the 8-time defending state champion Liberty Christian and also the defending champion from their division last season, John Paul II. The Friars weren't able to capture the crown from Liberty Christian but they were able to score higher than defending state champ John Paul II.

The final standings were:
1st - Liberty Christian
2nd - Bishop Lynch
3rd - John Paul II
4th - Grapevine Faith

Four Friars earned recognition for their wonderful performances on Monday. Both Alese Banks and Scarlett Anderson earned first-team all-state honors, Larkin Wall earned second-team and Emerson Keeton earned an honorable mention. Banks was also named a finalist in the jump competition.

Once again, congratulations to the entire cheer program for all their hard work in preparing for this competition and cheering on our sports teams all season.