The Team X Mini Level 2 All Star Cheer Team from Antioch, comprised kids 5 through 8, took first place at the recent America’s Best Nationals competition in Sacramento.

The performance earned the undefeated cheer squad a paid bid in April to the U.S. Open Finals in Anaheim.

Team members Hailey Siligo, Sarah Anderson, Jaydas Blevins, Tamia Pitts, Giselle Evans, Janaiya Mask, Ashley Yee and Trinity Landa received the America’s Best fleece jacket, a first-place national champion team trophy, an America’s Best individual trophy, a first-place medal and a team banner. Sarah also took first for her individual cheer routine.

Head coach Kelly Allen and her coaching staff have spent many hours training this young age group the proper techniques to gain the skills required to compete in Level 2 competitions.

– Contributed by Donna Lawson