Maya Angelou said, “While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.”

While the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers fell in the Division II state semifinals basketball game on Thursday, they should feel anything but defeated.

It was an undoubtedly hard loss for the young women, who entered the game with an undefeated season up to that point.

The Lady Tigers ultimately lost to the Columbus Africentric Lady Nubians 63-34, but each player on that team should feel extremely proud of themselves for such an amazing season.

The team also had the honor of having both the Associated Press Division III Player of the Year and Coach of the Year — Lexie Barrier and Doug Graham.

It is so easy, and perfectly normal, for a team to be disappointed when a championship trophy falls just out of reach. But we are sure anyone in the community would be quick to tell these girls that their spirit, talent and determination are qualities to admire and an inspiration to many.

When the team bus drove away from Ironton on Wednesday morning, the crowds of people were cheering for a victory. And since Thursday’s game, nothing has changed in the eyes of all their fans. The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers returned victors and will always be champions.