JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tuesday was proclaimed Lady Trojans Day -- nicknamed “Bluesday” – as the city of Jacksonville celebrated the Ribault High School's 2016 Dick’s Sporting Goods Girls' High School Basketball Championship win.
The team defeated the Riverdale Baptist Crusaders 75-49 in the high school basketball championship held April 2 in New York City. This is the Lady Trojans’ first national title win.
On Tuesday, the city honored the Lady Trojans players and coaches with a parade downtown followed by a special celebration at Hemming Park.
The team members smiled and waved throughout the festivities.
“It feels amazing!” said Laquanza Glover, junior Lady Trojan No. 30.
The Trojans posted a 30-1 record this season. It was Sheila Pennick’s 12th season as the team’s head coach.
“It is very overwhelming. It just shows me how much everybody loves us and cares for us,” said Idamar Mojica, sophomore Lady Trojan No. 1. “I'm proud of ourselves.”
April's been a pretty good month for the Lady Trojans, and they want to keep that streak going.
The players told News4Jax that they’re not stopping with one national championship -- they’re aiming for another.
The Lady Trojans also want to make a trip to Washington, D.C.
“We are hoping to go to the White House so hopefully we can be there and meet President Obama,” said Glover.
An online petition is asking the White House to honor the Ribault High School Lady Trojans basketball team for winning a national championship.
The petition, posted April 4 on the White House website, had more than 1,300 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon. The goal is to get 100,000 signatures by May 4.