LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Lots of Spartan pride was on display Friday morning at Lima Senior High School as the boys basketball team departed for the state tournament.
Teachers, staff, students and community members lined the school’s activities entrance to clap and cheer as the team walked out to board the bus. Once on board, the Lima Police Department escorted the team around the school before their journey to take on Massillon Washington in the Final Four at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wright State University’s Nutter Center in Fairborn.
After the bus departed, the family of Lima Senior basketball star Shawn Foster spoke about showing up to support Shawn and the entire team.
"I'm really proud of grandson Shawn and proud of the team. They've done so well. They deserve this win," says Cherie Harrison, Grandmother of Shawn Foster.
"I believe it comes full circle for me. The community came out and supported us 10 years ago, so to have my little brother going to state, it's only right that we come out and support him- not only him, but the entire team and Quincey. He has been through a lot. It's a lot of ups and downs. Coaching is not easy, so we got to come out and support the city," says Marquis Coleman, Brother of Shawn Foster.
"We are just so proud of Shawn and all the work that he puts in, day in and day out, to do what he loves, and we're just also so proud of the team for sticking together and going this far, so coming out this morning was a non-negotiable to show him how much we love him and are behind him and the team as well," says Bailey Counts, Sister of Shawn Foster.
"It's been fun watching the group of them. Shawn, Amari, Noah and Willie play together since they were 5-years-old, so to see them now at this point, hopefully to bring home a state championship, is, like they said, coming full circle. So, really excited and we'll be there every step of the way," says Jamie Declercq, Aunt of Shawn Foster.
If Lima Senior wins Saturday, they will play in the state finals at noon Sunday at the University of Dayton. The Your News Now sports team will provide highlights throughout the weekend.
