NEESES, S.C. — Sixty years ago, the Lady Hornets of Norfield 12 Year School became what is believed to be the first all-African American team to win the state championship in South Carolina.
Belvia Johnson was one of the players with the Lady Hornets, and she says it wasn’t an easy road.
“It was so rewarding because ... I knew we had our ups and our downs and along with that we knew what it took to get there. It took respect with one another, our coaches,” said Johnson. “And along with that it took discipline, and we just struggled to get there. It was just such a good feeling and, even now when I think that over sixty years, I can hardly imagine. Sometimes it was just like yesterday.”
Dorothy Glover, who was team captain says that they were the team to watch at school.
“We were the top of the team of the school, that what most of the people come to see the ladies,” said Glover. “Girls play basketball because we were the top. We would always win most of our games and everything.”
After the integration process, the school eventually became known as Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Middle/High (HTK).
Johnson is still very involved with the basketball program at HTK and says its nice to see the program continuing.
“I was out on Monday night supporting some of the young people in our church who play,” said Johnson. “So it means a lot when I can see other young people out there doing what they're supposed to be doing.”
Detrick Smith is the ladies’ coach at HKT and says alumni like Johnson make a difference.
“It means a whole lot, like I said. A lot of those alumni, they come and support us. They do the small things like making sure out kids eat before games,” said Smith. “They come and support us at the games, watching us, and I think it really means a whole lot just to see us play.
HKT plans to honor the Lady Hornets team of 1964 at their next home game.
