Last year, there were tears of heartbreak.
This year, there were tears of joy.
Vandebilt finished their story on Saturday, winning the Division II Select State Title in a thrilling 46-42 win over Madison Prep.
The Terriers led at halftime, but the Chargers stormed back to a second-half lead.
But down the stretch, there was too much Vandebilt. The Terriers hit in waves and controlled the final 8 minutes on the way to the title.
Senior stalwart Makayla Charles was huge down the stretch, controlling play and causing mismatches for Madison Prep. She took him Most Outstanding Player.
It has been a whirlwind for Charles and the Terriers. Last year, the team made the Top 28 but was not able to play, having to forfeit their Semifinals game for playing an ineligible player. In the summer, Charles’ senior season was cast into question when she tore her ACL during a summer league game.
But the season, the Terriers persevered and did not take no for an answer, enduring a rough schedule, getting to the playoffs and winning the final game, earning their second-ever State Championship.