The legacy of the 1975-76 North Stanly Lady Comets will be celebrated on January 16, 2024, as the undefeated team is honored during a basketball game at North Stanly High School. The squad, which finished the season with an impressive record of 26-0, dominated the competition and secured the title in the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association (WNCHSAA).
A Legendary Coach and a Remarkable Team
Lonnie Chandler, now 85 years old, coached the Lady Comets during their remarkable run. With a coaching career spanning from 1964 to 1997, Chandler achieved a winning percentage of nearly 71 percent and led his teams to 13 championships and 556 victories. Reflecting on the ingredients for success, Chandler emphasized the importance of talented players, supportive parents, and administrative backing.
The 1975-76 season stands out as Chandler’s crowning achievement. The Lady Comets faced formidable opponents, including East Rowan and Mooresville, yet consistently emerged victorious. Their closest encounters resulted in narrow wins, such as a 50-47 victory over East Rowan and a 60-57 triumph against Mooresville.
The championship showdown in March 1976 was highly anticipated, featuring the Lady Comets against North Gaston. North Stanly dominated the game, winning by a decisive score of 63-41. Chandler remarked, “We won every game we played and we won everything we could win. For the North Stanly community, it was a state championship.”
Celebrating a Historic Achievement
The upcoming ceremony will take place during a game against North Rowan, another historical rival of the Lady Comets. The team members will be honored before the boys’ game, with Chandler stating that the introduction will last approximately 12 minutes. Members from the 1976 boys’ team, who also had a successful season, will escort the Lady Comets as a show of respect and camaraderie.
In preparation for the event, a fundraising effort was initiated in early November to provide commemorative rings for each member of the championship team. All rings were funded by November 26, and the players will also receive gift boxes. Unfortunately, one team member, Kim Williams, has passed away, but her family will attend to honor her legacy. Another key player, Robin Aycock, is recovering from knee surgery and will also receive a ring.
Chandler has been recognized for his contributions to women’s sports, being inducted into the Stanly County Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. The North Stanly gym was named in his honor in 2013, reflecting his lasting impact on the community.
As the Lady Comets prepare to celebrate their achievements, their influence on women’s basketball continues to resonate. Krystal Kimrey, the standout player known for her height and skill, played a pivotal role in organizing the reunion. Having also competed at the collegiate level, she contributed to the growth of women’s basketball during her time at the University of Maryland.
This reunion serves not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but as a reminder of the dedication and passion that these young women brought to the sport. For the North Stanly community, the 1975-76 Lady Comets remain a cherished symbol of excellence and teamwork.
