TWICE AS NICE!

The 2016 edition of the Winston Redbirds had a chance this year to do something that this school had not accomplished since the 1992 basketball season.  It has been 24 years since the boys and girls teams both became District Champions.  Both squads have had successful seasons since that time, but the elusive double championship had eluded the Redbirds, but not this year!

The Lady Redbirds went into Friday's District title game against a familiar foe, the Pattonsburg Lady Panthers.  Despite being a lower seed than the Lady Panthers, the Redbirds were a confident bunch. The Lady Redbirds came into the game with a 17-10 record on the year and a 15-4 record since the winter break.  The Redbirds had defeated the Lady Panthers a few weeks earlier during their Homecoming game, but that was a Panthers team that had been weakened by injury and this was a squad at full strength who had just handily defeated the #3 seeded DeKalb Lady Tigers.  This promised to be a tough game no matter which squad emerged victorious.

The Lady Redbirds came out strong and served notice in the first quarter that they would not go down without a fight.  Tough defense and balanced scoring helped the Redbirds to a 21-18 halftime lead.  The second half saw the Redbirds build a lead in the third that the Panthers reduced to 5 in the fourth.  However, solid free-throw shooting and tough defense allowed the Lady Redbirds to pull away late and claim the District Title 54-30.

The Winston boys squad came into their title game a team on a mission.  All year long, the Redbirds had been building momentum towards the State playoffs.  After rolling to the title game, the Redbirds record sat at 26-0.  Their title game, like the ladies, would also be a rematch.  They would draw the #3 seeded DeKalb Tigers who in the previous round upset the #2 seed Saint Joe Christian.  The two teams had squared off previously in the championship game of the Osborn Tournament.

The Redbirds came out fired up and dominated from the tip.  Winston's trademark stifling defense was once again up to the task.  The Redbirds contested every shot, tipped passes, and frustrated the DeKalb squad.  All 15 players on the roster appeared in the game and in the end the Redbirds came away with a commanding 56-18 victory only allowing the Tigers to convert on four field goals all game.


Both teams will now advance to the Sectional round of the MSHSAA Championships.  The two Redbird squads will be in action on Tuesday night.  The Lady Redbirds will be taking on the Norborne Lady Pirates and the Boys will have a rematch against the Hardin-Central Bulldogs.  Both games will be played at Liberty North High School with the girls game beginning at 6 and the boys playing at 7:45.  I hope to see a packed Redbird gym on Tuesday evening.  Show up, wear red, cheer loud, and let everyone know...It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate our February Students of the Month:  Jacob Lewis and Josie McFee.  This award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School to recognize students who show excellence in academics, character, and attitude.  These two students exemplify the character traits that we expect out of our student leaders on a daily basis.  They are also an example of why...It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

IT'S A HOLLYWOOD HOMECOMING

The students and faculty have been busy getting the school ready for our Homecoming Celebration.  All week the students have been busy decorating sections of the hallway.  The Student Council decided that this year's theme would be "Hollywood Homecoming" so all the decorations are centered around Disney movies.  As you can see from the pictures attached, the students have really gotten into decorating this year.  Our hallways feature decorations, lighting, and music from the movies.

Of course, there wouldn't be homecoming without a basketball game.  This year the game has to be held on a Thursday due to scheduling conflicts.  The Redbirds will host conference rivals (for the last time) the Pattonsburg Panthers.  The girls game will tip off at 6:00 and the boys game will follow.  The Varsity Cheerleading squad will perform at halftime of the boys game and the 2016 Coronation ceremony will occur after the game.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard this year to make Homecoming a memorable experience for all.  Hopefully this has helped increase school spirit and will only create more pride in our teams, our school, and our community.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!