The Mack Lyon Middle School Cheer Team celebrates its winnings in the Las Vegas Classic Cheer Competition last weekend.

By Juanie Prisbrey

Moapa Valley Progress

The Mack Lyon Middle School Cheer Team competed in the Las Vegas Classic Cheer Competition last weekend and came away with top honors. The event was hosted by Shadow Ridge High School and was open to all Nevada middle schools. Lyon was the only team that feeds into a 3A school, while the others were all 4A feeder schools.

Lyon’s team placed first in Pom Performance, third in Game Day Cheer, and sixth in Show Stunt.

“The team was so solid in their stunts, and their performances were unbelievably perfect,” said team coach Paula Chappell.

The team went on to win one of the three spirit sticks as well as the overall title of Grand Champions. The overall winner was determined by combining each team’s top two performance scores.

Chappell said the team’s hard work and dedication paid off. “I was so proud of the girls and how hard they’ve worked this year at the 6:00 am practices in the gym,” she said.

Individuals who took top place finishes were Autumn Udall (2nd Individual Cheer) and Lexi Evans (2nd Individual Tumbling).

The squad was also coached by assistants Ginger Massaro, Charlene Udall, and Jennifer Evans (tumbling coach).