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The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans celebrated last season’s state championship one final time on Wednesday morning when they held a ring ceremony inside the school cafeteria.

“This felt great,” head coach Dyneshia Jones said. “This is why they work so hard for their accomplishments, like winning the state championship. Seeing their championship rings was big for them.”

The Trojans won their second state championship in the past three seasons when they knocked off Madison Academy 50-48 inside Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Because of the effect of COVID-19, the Trojans were forced to wait to celebrate their championship. The Trojans had their first celebration in late June in downtown Troy, now they have their rings.

“The wait makes it sweeter, but I hate the reason why we had to wait,” Jones said. “COVID is something really big. Just thinking about all the people suffering from it. I hate the reason behind it but I enjoy spreading out the celebration. I get to see my seniors a little more also.”

Both Troy City Schools Superintendent Cynthia Thomas and Troy Mayor Jason Reeves were both on had to help the Trojans celebrate once more.

“I’m proud of the Trojans for bringing home the trophy,” Thomas told the players. “Girls, the same principals you used to bring the trophy home, use them in your everyday life. We are extremely proud of you and I’m here to support you all the way until we meet again next year.”

During the celebration in June, Mayor Reeves said the Lady Trojans’ run to another state championship was the greatest accomplishment in school history. He echoed that statement on Wednesday.

“With what you guys went through last year, to go undefeated and win a state championship is the most remarkable athletic accomplishment in the history of the school,” Reeves told the players. “I hope every time you look at the ring you will remember that for the rest of your lives.”

Coach Jones left the ceremony wearing two necklaces and two state championship rings. Before leaving Jones expressed the importance of keeping the ring safe. She said one day it will accompany great stories that her players will be able to tell her family.

“It’s something you can tell your kids, grandkids and great grandkids about,” Jones said.