A few weeks ago, the Franklin City Educational Foundation honored members of Franklin High School’s 1981 and 1986 girls’ basketball teams, both of which won state championships. The 2008 team is doing its best to join that elite company.

Coach Mona Sumblin’s squad clinched a berth in the state Group A tournament with a convincing victory in the regional semifinals Thursday night. The Lady Broncos, who were ranked second in the final Associated Press state poll of the regular season, improved to an impressive 21-1 heading into Saturday’s regional championship game.

Sumblin’s teams are strong year in and year out, but this might well be her best unit since the ’86 state champions. Like most Sumblin-coached teams, they score a lot of points offensively, but this year’s squad separates itself with hustle and defense. In short, the Lady Broncos have all the ingredients of a championship team.

High school sports teams can serve as rallying points for an entire community. These young athletes instill pride in their boosters and fellow students and serve as ambassadors for their hometowns.

We’ve been blessed in these parts with a number of championship teams in recent years: three consecutive football titles for Isle of Wight Academy and a state baseball championship for Southampton Academy last spring.

Now, Franklin High is poised to accomplish the same feat in girls’ basketball.

Regardless of your school allegiances, let’s all get behind the Lady Broncos in their championship pursuit.