Cheer squad off to states

The Lake Orion cheerleading squad posted their best score of the season last week in regional action to help them qualify for Friday’s state finals.
The Dragons hosted the Region 5 competition last Saturday, placing second behind Rochester. The Falcons scored 757.4 points, followed by Lake Orion’s 733.6 and Stoney Creek’s 719.2.
The top two teams from each of the five Division I regionals qualified for the MHSAA State Finals, to be held at the DeltaPlex near Grand Rapids.
‘Everybody had solid, solid days,? Coach Nancy DeAvila said of the regional. ‘Everybody gave their best performances.?
DeAvila said her team’s experience at states last year should have them well prepared.
‘We’re excited,? she said. ‘They’ve been there now and they know what to expect.?
The team also took on a tougher schedule this year and have seen all of the other state qualifiers at least once in competition.
‘Last year we finished ninth and this year we want to finish in the top five,? DeAvila said.
‘I think that our chances are really good,? she added. ‘We’ve competed well against all of the top teams this year.?
In spite of the stakes, the coach said her team will prepare as if it were any other week.
‘Our practices these last few weeks have been our best of the season,? DeAvila noted, ‘and we’re completely healthy now.?
At press time, DeAvila said Lake Orion spectators have already reserved 33 hotel rooms in preparation for Friday’s competition, which begins at 6 p.m.