KIRTLAND CENTRAL GIRLS BASKETBALL HONORED BY USA TODAY
USA Today released their list of High School Sports Awards for the 2023-2024 school year. Kirtland Central girls basketball was named their Girls Team of the Year award winner. “I knew we had been nominated, but I honestly didn’t think we would be selected,” said Kirtland Central head coach Devon Manning. “There are a lot of great teams throughout the country.”
The Lady Broncos won the Class 4A basketball state championship back in March with a 45-33 victory over St. Pius X. It was Kirtland Central’s 2nd state title in the past three seasons and their 21st overall. Kirtland Central also tied their school record with 29 wins last season. “I remember how unselfish and trusting the team was of each other,” recalls Manning. “Egos were put aside and everything those girls did was best for the team. From the beginning of the season to the end, those girls were on a mission and locked in. They were so much fun to be around and the memories we made together will last a lifetime. Truly a special team and one I won’t forget.”
Only three other girls basketball programs in the country have won more state championships than Kirtland Central: Dallas Bishop Lynch (TX)-30, Nazareth (TX)-25, and Shawnee Mission Bishop Miege (KS)-24. The Kirtland Central girls basketball program is the focus of a yet-to-be-released documentary titled “Kirtland Dynasty”, produced by filmmaker Lynette Lewis which spotlights the successful run of the Lady Broncos and generational connection within the community.
The entire list of the USA Today High School Sports Awards can be found at the link https://sportsawards.usatoday.com/national/2024-national-winners/
About USA Today Sports Awards
The USA TODAY High School Sports Awards celebrates excellence in high school sports across 20 regions nationwide as well as on a national level. Regional programs culminate in in-person award ceremonies from April through June where winners are announced and special awards are given, providing a platform to honor and recognize outstanding student-athletes. The national awards program will announce the top athletes in each sport in August.
Nominees for both the regional and national programs are posted as they are selected. Regional nominees represent the best in their respective areas, while national nominees are recognized as the top high school athletes nationwide.
