The 1975-76 North Stanly Lady Comets, known for their remarkable undefeated season, will be honored in a special celebration on January 16, 2024. The team, which achieved a perfect record of 26-0, is recognized as champions of the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association (WNCHSAA). This event will take place during a basketball game between North Stanly and North Rowan.
Lonnie Chandler, 85, who served as the head coach for the Lady Comets, recalls the triumphs of that historic season. Under his leadership, the team not only secured the WNCHSAA title but also demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork, winning 71 percent of games throughout his 33-year coaching career. Chandler’s tenure, which spanned from 1964 to 1997, saw him achieve a record of 556 wins and 13 championships.
The 1975-76 season was particularly significant, as the Lady Comets faced formidable opponents in the North Piedmont Conference, including East Rowan and Mooresville. Notably, the team’s closest games were against these rivals, winning by just three points against East Rowan (50-47) and by 11 points against Mooresville (60-57). Chandler praises his players, attributing their success to a combination of talent, parental support, and strong administration.
The WNCHSAA championship tournament hosted eight elite teams, culminating in a much-anticipated final against North Gaston. The Lady Comets decisively won that game 63-41, solidifying their status as a dominant force in their league. Krystal Kimrey, a standout 6-foot-5 player, was named MVP of the North Piedmont Conference tournament and averaged an impressive 23.2 points per game that season.
In addition to Kimrey, who remains a prominent figure in women’s basketball, the team featured players like Linda Spivey and Jo Ritchie, who contributed significantly to their success. Spivey, for instance, averaged 15.2 points per game and was also named MVP of the WNCHSAA Tournament.
Chandler emphasized the unselfish nature of the team, stating, “We had a really good team because it was an unselfish team.” The Lady Comets averaged 65 points per game while allowing only 37, showcasing their defensive prowess as well.
To commemorate their achievements, a fundraising campaign was launched to provide each member of the team with commemorative rings, which have already been funded. The event will include introductions of the 1975-76 team members during the January 16 game, where they will be recognized alongside the current varsity team.
“Kimrey has played a vital role in organizing this reunion,” Chandler noted. Her involvement reflects her ongoing commitment to the sport and her teammates. After her time with the Lady Comets, Kimrey became one of the first women’s basketball scholarship athletes at the University of Maryland, contributing to the growth of women’s basketball in the United States.
The legacy of the 1975-76 Lady Comets extends beyond their impressive record. They were innovative for their time, establishing a six-team summer league to promote youth basketball and engaging the community by fundraising through Krispy Kreme doughnut sales.
The upcoming ceremony will not only honor the achievements of the Lady Comets but also celebrate the enduring impact they have had on their community and the sport of basketball. Although one team member, Kim Williams, has passed away, her family will be present to represent her during the celebration.
As the event approaches, excitement builds among former players, coaches, and the community, eager to pay tribute to a team whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
