Sports

Cheer 

By Hailey Masini 

Flipping, twisting, and stunting, the girls' cheer team is back! There are two teams; JV and Varsity. The JV and Varsity team come along and join the boys' basketball team and cheer them on for a win! Lately, the Cardinals took first place against a field of eight other teams in the small junior high division, marking their first time landing in the top spot! Palos South has been going to competitions for five years and has never won first place until this year! A couple weeks later, Palos South Middle School’s Competition Cheerleading team nabbed another 1st place win at the Spartan Showdown competition at Marian Catholic High School on January 25th. The team will compete next in the IESA State Cheerleading Competition in Peoria on February 11th. 

The JV cheer team includes Penelope Brackin, Violet Fino, Eleni Fitzgerald, Morgan Frankiewicz, Alannah Grosse, Avery Hansel, Bianca Kapusciarz, Millie Moreau, Alexa Owens, Lilly Pegorin, Sophia Tzanetakos, and Emma Walkowicz. The Varsity cheer team includes Aliyana Acosta, Olivia Bialon, Ryann Bracken, Layla Coriell, Devin Curran, Nina Detratto, Sydney Dore, Abigail Kjeldsen, Lilly Masini, Ava Mendoza, Poppy Perakis, and Evelyn York. 

“Our goal this season is to create a positive, high‑energy atmosphere at every basketball game by leading the crowd with enthusiasm, sharp motions, and strong voices.” says Mrs. Partin for the sideline team. “We aim to support our players, engage our fans, and represent our school with pride. By working together, staying spirited, and bringing consistent effort to every game, we will build a united team that elevates the entire gym.” Next, for the Competition team, “Our goal this season is to grow as athletes and as a team by improving our skills, performing with confidence, and supporting each other every step of the way.” She states. “We aim to hit a clean, sharp, and confident routine at every competition, focusing on strong technique, positive teamwork, and consistent effort. By working hard, communicating well, and lifting each other up, we will become the strongest, safest, and most unified team we can be. 

If you would like to join the cheer team next year, Mrs. Partin will have the flyers ready at the start of the winter with the tryout dates. All the information will be on the permission slip, along with the cheers you will learn at the cheer convention a couple days before the tryouts. You do not need any tumbling skills to make the sideline team and same for the competition team but having those skills are highly recommended in order to make comp team, but not a requirement.