Junction City cheerleaders win state

HOT SPRINGS – Junction City's cheerleaders might need their own cheerleaders if they keep winning state championships.

The Lady Dragon cheerleaders won the 2A state title Saturday in Hot Springs. It's the fifth state cheerleading championship for the school and the fourth in the past five years.

“Winning this state championship is a prime example of never giving up on each other,” said Coach Jessica Webb. “These young ladies have fought through many adversities to get to where they are today. They have proved with hard work and determination they can achieve their goals and I could not be more proud of them.”

Cheer sponsor Leanna Hanry added, "I am proud to see all of their hard work pay off." Junction City won the state championship in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. El Dorado's girls finished fourth in Class 6A behind Sheridan, Russellville and Benton, although official results were not released Saturday.

“They did an amazing job,” said Coach Tab Neely. “Hit a clean routine from top to bottom. High energy throughout and really showed out! (Class) 6A is stacked with beyond awesome cheer teams mainly because they are all fed by elite all-star programs. So a fourth place finish is outstanding. The girls are proud of their accomplishments as am I.”

Neely said other area teams performed at a high level as well.

“Junction City won 2A. Smackover got runner up in 3A. Should've been first but I'm biased. Parkers Chapel hit a solid routine and did amazing as well in the Co-ed Division. They did an amazing job going against larger schools. They were in the 1A-4A Co-ed. I was super proud of how well Union County represented.”