For Jamaya Thomas, senior forward for the Lawrence North girls’ basketball team, winning the Class 4A state championship is nothing short of a dream come true. After years of hard work and dedication, Thomas ended her high school basketball career in the best way possible: by helping her team make history.
“It feels amazing,” Thomas said. “It’s been a goal ever since I was a freshman, and to finally see it through and make it a reality is a dream come true.”
The final moments of the championship game were especially emotional for Thomas as the reality of their victory began to sink in. “It was just a surreal moment,” she reflected. “I wanted to take it all in and remember the moment for the rest of my life.”
Thomas’s journey at Lawrence North has been marked by growth and resilience. She credits her early start on the varsity team as a pivotal point in her development. “Starting varsity as a freshman really made me into the player I am today,” Thomas explained. “It made me tough and gave me the experience I needed for my next three years.”
Trust and Teamwork
When asked about the factors that contributed to the team’s success this season, Thomas emphasized the importance of unity. “Just staying together as a team and weathering anything that comes our way,” she said.
Throughout the tournament, maintaining focus was crucial, and the team leaned on their trust in one another to stay composed under pressure. “We’ve been in situations like the tournament the whole season,” Thomas shared. “So we just had to trust ourselves and each other.”
That trust became especially important during one of the toughest stretches of the season. “We faced lots of hardships, especially when we went on a four-game losing streak toward the end of the season,” Thomas admitted. “But with our trust in each other, we overcame any challenges we faced.”
A Community Behind Them
While the players put in the work on the court, the Lawrence North community played a significant role in the team’s journey. The energy from the fans fueled the Wildcats throughout the season. “It’s been amazing the whole tournament run,” Thomas said. “They’re usually not the biggest crowd, but they’re always the loudest, and that really gives us momentum throughout the whole game.”
For Thomas, the support system extends beyond the gym. She credits her family especially her mother and younger sister, for being her biggest supporters. “They’re at every game, no matter the distance or time,” she said. “No matter how tired they both are, they always find a way to be there for me no matter what.”
Lawrence North’s State Championship Win Unites and Inspires the Lawrence Township Community
For Franklyn Bush, principal of Lawrence Central High School, Lawrence North’s recent Class 4A state championship victory in girls’ basketball is a win that extends beyond just one school, it’s a moment of pride for the entire Lawrence Township community.
“I’m very proud! I’m a true Lawrence community member, so I love when Lawrence shines,” Bush said. “Of course, I wish it was LC, but Lawrence is being represented.”
Bush believes the championship highlights the township’s exceptional talent and reflects positively on the broader community. “It’s a positive for Lawrence. It shows the depth of our talent in so many ways,” he added.
While Lawrence North took home the title, the impact has been felt across both township high schools. According to Bush, the win has sparked excitement and pride throughout the community. “People love it and are proud of the many accomplishments we continue to produce,” he said.
Lawrence Township Superintendent Dr. Smith attended the Class 4A state championship game, witnessing firsthand the impact of Lawrence North’s historic win. He emphasized that this victory was years in the making. “We’re not surprised that LN girls won that state championship,” Smith said. “Two years ago, they were in the semi-state and lost to Bedford. That team was essentially the same team that won state this year, but now they’re seniors. Experience mattered a lot in this win.” Dr. Smith, says his favorite part of the game was seeing the Lawrence North girls cut down the nets and being able to see the girls’ emotions.
Dr. Smith echo’s Mr. Bush’s sentiments about success, “It speaks to who we are as a community and the overall talent we have,” he said. “The girls got to be in the 50 years of girls basketball celebration since they won. But we aren’t just known for girls basketball; I’ve got a display of all our state championships over the years. WE ARE WINNERS! We’ve got baseball, track, football. I mean, we’ve done it all.”
Dr.Smith told us his favorite moment about the state championship run both years was “the sectional championship between my two girls teams because of the emotions that both the girls teams went through in both years.”
Beyond the trophy, the victory is bringing the Lawrence community closer together. Bush shared that it’s been heartening to see both the Lawrence North and Lawrence Central communities
supporting each other throughout the team’s championship run. “For sure! It’s been fun to watch the LN community and LC community support each other. This for sure has to be history!”
As Lawrence North celebrates making history on the basketball court, the effects of their achievement ripple across the township. The championship win is not just a testament to athletic excellence, it’s a symbol of the strength, pride, and unity within the Lawrence community.
For Lawrence North’s girls’ basketball team, winning the Class 4A state championship is a historic achievement that reflects the program’s “Tradition of Excellence.”
“Winning the state championship is a monumental achievement for both our players and the Lawrence North basketball program,” said head coach Stephen Thomas. “For our players, it represents the realization of their hard work and the fulfillment of their high school athletic dreams.”
Keys to Success
According to Coach Thomas, team chemistry and experienced leadership were major factors in the Wildcats’ success.
“Our players developed a togetherness and trust that helped them gain confidence in facing all the challenges that our tough schedule and season brought,” he said. “We have juniors and seniors who have played in a lot of big games, and their experience in those moments provided confidence and composure.”
The team’s ability to stay united during tough times helped them remain focused throughout the season.
“They showed maturity and mental toughness to face challenges head-on,” Thomas said. “Any losses or tough games were seen as learning experiences rather than failures. The motivation became player-led—they took ownership of the team’s success, understanding that ‘Together Everyone Achieves More.’”
What Makes This Team Special?
For Coach Thomas, what set this team apart was their growth and depth of talent.
“The special part about this group is seeing the growth of all the players,” he said
. “Our depth made it difficult for other teams to game plan. Their ability to learn from past teams and apply those lessons to their own journey shows their maturity and dedication.”
Inspiring Future Wildcats
Coach Thomas hopes this championship win will motivate future athletes to continue the program’s legacy.
“My hope is that it will inspire future athletes to continue the ‘Tradition of Excellence,’” he said. “Future Wildcat families who watched this team’s journey will see what’s possible and will want to create a legacy of their own.”
More than just a win, Lawrence North’s championship represents a culture of hard work, resilience, and unity, values that will continue to shape the program for years to come.
