Apr. 2—LIMA — The Allen County Sharks only had three losses, but they had to overcome some adversity to get to where they stood Wednesday.
The City of Lima honored the basketball team for its gold medal in the Special Olympics with a proclamation at Mayor Sharetta Smith's weekly press conference.
"It wasn't easy," frontcourt player Anthony Chamber said. "The competition was hard, but it was a pretty good feeling to be a champion again because I did it for my family and loved ones. The people who supported us didn't give up and helped us keep pushing forward."
The team lost by 40 points to Lucas County but kept things together.
"We had to fight through the season, but at the end of the day, we persevered and we got to go for the community," Maurice Meeks, a guard, said. "I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because with him I know anything is possible, and I thank my family for keeping me grounded."
The Sharks beat Madison County for the Gold 63-55 for the Division 3 state championship Sunday, March 9, and some members participated in individual skills competitions the previous day (bit.ly/3FQVYaW).
Guard Johnnie Wilson said he was grateful to be on the team.
"It was my first time bringing home the gold, and we faced a good, hard team," he said. "We were down 10 in the fourth quarter, and we had to rebound as a team, collectively."
Anton Glenn, Debo Bunley, Cristian Bassitt, Lamont Nash, Michael Biery and Roger Golden rounded out the team, which was coached by Jon Wade and Patrick Stolly.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
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