Harvest Prep capped a milestone year in its history as the girls varsity basketball team, under the direction of head coach David Dennis Sr., captured the school's first-ever state championship with a 45-41 victory over Berlin Hilands!    This spectacular achievement in the state finals was the crowning gem of an extraordinary season which included many noteworthy accomplishments.... 27-1 overall record.... 19-1 regular season record.... undefeated in league play.... ranked #3 by AP in Ohio in Division 4.... ranked #1 by MaxPreps in Ohio.

When asked to comment on various aspects of the season Coach Dennis shared that the real turning point of the year was the Warriors' 54-53 upset victory over the #4 ranked team in the nation during an invitation-only showcase game in Philadelphia during January.  In that contest our Lady Warriors trailed the entire game, but clearly demonstrated the perseverance and poise to pull off the victory.

"Coach D" also pointed to the Waterford game in the regional finals.  Once again, our hoops squad trailed the entire game.  Followed by what is now known as the "Miracle Three" basket by Shicole Watts with time running out, the Warriors forced the game into overtime during which they sealed the victory.

And, the theatrics did not end there!  In the state semi-finals, the ladies trailed Fort Loramie by 18 points with 10 minutes left in the game!  The virtually unimaginable then took place.... through gutty and courageous play the girls slowly erased the deficit and with great calm and presence claimed the victory with only seconds ticking on the clock!

As a result of the tremendous season accomplishments, Coach David Dennis was named Division IV Coach of the Year, and junior Shicole Watts was voted Player of the Year.

David Dennis shared that the program philosophy of "play hard, play smart, play together" was tremendously important throughout the year.  "As the season progressed we began to fast and pray together more as we came closer together", coach commented.  "We really began to focus on a passage of scripture that says, '.... therefore, my brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abiding in the words of the Lord'... our focus on the Lord and in pleasing Him above all else provided the spark for our success."  

Thanks to Coach Dennis, the assistant coaches, and all team members for their tremendous efforts during the 2009-2010 season!  Thanks also to the fantastic energy and passion shown by our student body and fans in their enthusiastic support of the Lady Warriors.

Most important, THANKS BE TO GOD for His blessings in granting this extraordinary achievement to HPS, and trusting that this may serve as a wonderful demonstration of God's faithfulness and love.