Despite losing its semifinal matchup against eventual champion Randolph, the Gibraltar basketball team and their fans can still hold their head high after their appearance last month at the state basketball tournament.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, in cooperation with Rural Mutual Insurance, chose the recipients of the team sportsmanship awards for the 2022 winter State Tournaments earlier this week. While Brillion took home the top honors, Gibraltar joined Ashwaubenon, Cameron, Hurley, Marshall, Racine Case, and Randolph as honorable mentions.

According to the WIAA, the selection process includes contributions and evaluations from contest officials, tournament management, police and security personnel, crowd control and ushers, staff members, area hotels and restaurants. The award recipients are determined by the sportsmanship displayed by athletes, coaches, cheer and support groups, mascots, bands, and spectators. An additional consideration is given to the effort of school administrators and chaperones to ensure support for their teams is positive and that the highest ideals of sportsmanship are showcased.

Gibraltar participated in its first state basketball tournament in school history last month. This recognition is on top of Sam Lindenberg being named an All-State honorable mention player in March.