An emotional return home

SPIRIT LAKE — It was an emotional homecoming for the Timberlake High School girls basketball team Sunday as about 100 family, friends and fans awaited their return.

Reina Powell of Athol waited anxiously with a bouquet of flowers in her arms. Her sister, Erica Powell, is a senior with the team. Reina, a former member of the team until she graduated last year, said she was "super proud" of her sister.

"She's gone through a lot of adversities and seeing how strong she has become now has really paid off," Reina said. "I am just so excited to see them overcome all these things and taking the win.”

The girls were returning from winning their first state title. Timberlake defeated Marsh Valley on Saturday in the state 3A championship game at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.

"A lot of it was that they are such good kids," said Tim Cronnelly, Timberlake athletic director. "That's what makes it so much better."

He said the girls do a lot for others, and Reina said she thinks the team chemistry really helped the girls get the win.

"We don't have a lot of size, but having that team chemistry — being able to know how everyone plays — I think that definitely helped," she said.

Spirit Lake police escorted the bus to the high school where the crowd waited anxiously to congratulate them on their win.

As the girls began to exit the bus, most couldn't hold back their tears of joy at having so many fans greet them with flowers and hugs.

"We pretty much just sobbed from when the police escort picked us up in Rathdrum," said Timberlake senior and team captain, Payten Rhodes, as she addressed the crowd with tears in her eyes. "Thank you for everything and just your being here means a lot."