By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

ALABASTER — Members of the 2013-14 Kingwood Christian School junior varsity volleyball team were recognized by Mayor Marty Handlon and the Alabaster City Council at the Dec. 16 meeting.

The squad, led by head coach Tony Boyd, went a perfect 20-0 during the regular season which saw the Lions comeback from a 10-point deficit against Tuscaloosa Christian to keep the streak going.

“I’m elated,” Boyd said. “It’s a culmination of the season, brings closure to the season. To get their own day, it literally puts a stamp on it.”
Mayor Handlon read a proclamation that declared Dec. 16, 2013 “Kingwood Christian Junior Varsity Team Day,” in honor of the team’s accomplishments, as well as for an “excellent performance, personal dedication and an unselfish commitment to (a) team (that) has proven to be a source of admiration and inspiration to their school and community.”

The players were also presented with a coin, and posed for pictures with Handlon.

The team, while dominant, faced an uphill battle in most matches, as the squad only had seven members. If the Lions felt a disadvantage, they sure didn’t show it, marching through the AISA JV tournament, going undefeated. The Lions captured the state championship over Lee-Scott Academy on Oct. 13, completing the undefeated streak.

Boyd joked that even the date of the 16^th, was a sign, as one plus six equals seven, the number of players on the squad.

“I’m proud of them,” he said. “It lets them know hard work and determination pays dividends. They were worthy of it. It’s always a family affair with them.”