Showing Team Spirit

It's been a long journey for the Bolivar High School girls' basketball team, which is preparing to head to the state basketball tournament semifinals in Columbia hoping to capture its first win in 25 years.

The trip to the tourney is not only bringing the school together, but the community as well.

"It's like the first time in forever that we've gone to state.  So, I mean we're pumped up," said Jessica Wass, Bolivar High School senior.

Inside the school, students are gearing up to show their support.  Some are making signs and others are just wearing t-shirts to help get them in the spirit of things.

"We're ready to go and we're ready to play.  We're not nervous.  We are just ready to have fun.  This doesn't happen in Bolivar that much.  So, everyone is really excited.  Everybody wants us to win so it's a big deal," said Casey Garrison, Bolivar High School senior.

Rowena Wilson of Florida is back in Missouri.  She is keeping a promise to her granddaughter that if she and her teammates made it to the semi-finals, she would come and watch them take the win.

"They worked hard all year for this," she said.

Since learning of their accomplishment, many business owners have placed signs of support on their store fronts.

"The more we support the girls, the more they know we are supporting them.  It makes them want to win," said Penny Hruby, a parent of one of the players.

Phone calls have been pouring in from several in the community.

"Everybody is so excited.  The whole town is just going wild," said Rita Robison, a community member who is supporting the girls' team.

The girl's basketball team leaves for Columbia on Friday.  And in honor of their trip to the tournament, administrators at Bolivar High School are giving students the day off.  The school will also be taking two prep buses to the game.

"I'm hoping to see another state championship trophy.  We have a good team and I think we'll do well in the state and I think the girls, who are on the floor, deserve everybody there to cheer them on," said Leonard Zanatta, Bolivar’s superintendent.