Monday was Central Plains High School Basketball State Champions Day in Barton County, but the team members didn’t get much of a chance to celebrate.

The honor was part of a proclamation recognizing the CPHS boys and girls as the 2018 2A basketball state champions approved Monday morning by the Barton County Commission. The proclamation acknowledged the “historic achievement and recognizes the student athletes, managers and videographer, along with the coaching staff, for their commitment to excellence.” 

But, after most of the team met with the commission, they had to return to school in Claflin.

“You guys are just amazing,” commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz said. “I am very proud of you.”

“I want to thank the Barton County Commission for this great honor,” said girls basketball coach and CPHS Athletic Director Pat Stiles. “It is very humbling.”

He then introduced his team and ran through a long list of honors bestowed upon them. The squad racked up a 26-0 record on its way to its title.

This also marked the team’s fifth consecutive state championship, a first for Kansas, Stiles said.

Next, boys coach Brett Rolfs listed his roster. “I’m very proud of the kids.”

The boys also went undefeated in pursuit of the championship.

The proclamation also urged county residents to congratulate the players and the staffs.