Margaretta team meets young fans

CASTALIA — Margaretta's girls basketball team received superstar treatment by the youngest Polar Bears. On Wednesday, team members visited Margaretta Elementary School for a walkthrough and autograph signing as part of their lineup of events for reaching the final four. The girls team will play on Thursday in a state semifinal contest against Canton Central Catholic at Wright State University in Dayton. If they win, Margaretta advances to the state title game on Friday at the University of Dayton. The elementary students lined the building's hallways wearing their green Margaretta gear and holding handmade signs for the high school team. They eagerly waited for the team to walk down the halls, led by the high school marching band. When the players finally rounded the corner, the students erupted in cheers and clapping while the team gave high fives. After the walkthrough, the team made its way to the gym while the elementary students lined up for their chance to meet the team and get a signed picture. While the younger students made their way through the line of players getting their pictures signed, Lillian Belak, a senior on the team, said the experience and their excitement were a cool feeling. "It's great," Belak said. "It's nice to see the little kids and how much they support and kind of idolize us." The final four excitement began days before the elementary school's meet-and-greet. Following Saturday's regional championship win, the district on Tuesday hosted a community pep rally where hundreds of community members congratulated the Lady Bears on a successful season thus far and wished them luck as they aim to capture a state title."It's kind of surreal," Belak said. "It's like we've been wanting to do this forever, and we obviously went our freshman year, but I feel like it's different as seniors."