JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s a storybook ending to a dynamic season. 28-1 and best in Class 5A. The Ribault girls' basketball team won its 11th state title.
“It felt like all our hard work paid off at the end,” junior Day’Neshia Banks said.
We caught up with the team Monday, fresh off their weekend win. You can feel the culture of excellence in the air, which starts with Coach Shelia Seymore-Pennick.
“I think Coach Shelia is the difference. She push us hard, not just on the basketball court, but in class and in every aspect of our life,” junior Rennia Davis explained.
This team is full of raw talent. There’s no denying that. But in a community where violence, socioeconomic challenges and stereotypes are common, they have even more to prove.
“What these young ladies get an opportunity to do is to encourage all young people, girls and boys, black and white, that you can have so much happiness and success through sports as well as while receiving your education,” Coach Seymore-Pennick said.
The girls have that part covered too. They’re an “A” and “B” team and if someone does get a rare “C”, they have to run suicides. The underclassmen say despite having a gym full of banners, they won’t stop here.
“I’m trying to win my third one. I wanted four, but I’ll take three, I guess,” Davis said with a smile.
The Ribault girls team leads the state of Florida in amount of state championships won in basketball. News of their latest spread quickly city-wide. Mayor Lenny Curry and several City Councilman called to congratulate Coach Seymore-Pennick on Monday.
Cox Media Group
