Hard Work Pays Off For La Lumiere School At DICK'S Nationals

NEW YORK — The road was tough. Nothing came easy. Everything was earned. La Lumiere School (IN) danced and celebrated on the Christ The King High School court Saturday afternoon long after the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Nationals championship game ended -- and for good reason.

The top-seeded Lakers, and their large traveling fan base, had plenty to be excited about. Not only did they control the second half of the title game to take down No. 3 seed Montverde Academy (FL) 70-52 for their first-ever national title, but they also avenged a loss in the championship game from last season.

So it was easy to understand why there was so much joy. Having to beat No. 8 Wasatch Academy (UT), No. 4 Findlay Prep (NV), and Montverde took a lot of effort, energy, and persistence. It was something to be proud of for everyone who is part of the program.

There was nobody prouder than La Lumiere School head coach Shane Heirman, though. This moment meant everything.

Happy? Try ecstatic.

La Lumiere had this goal in mind all along. Mission accomplished.