Lathrop High recently took first place in the JAMZ National Cheer competition held in the Las Vegas.

The 11-member team coached by Hope Palomar – she was assisted by Sydnee Barrios and Arina Rios – tallied 95.05 in the two-day event held in the Orleans Hotel, edging out Ripon High (94.24) in the Varsity Level 1 / Not Tumble Division.

The two local cheer teams were among the field on nine in that division.

In order to qualify, Palomar noted that her Lathrop High squad competed in a cheer event held in Stockton back in October. “We had to score about the 70s (to qualify for JAMZ National Cheer),” she said.

Lathrop made it to last year’s National event, according to Palomar, who has been coaching the Spartans for the past seven years.

This year’s championship squad consisted of Angela Baylon, Beenal Kashyap, CloeMari Pascua, Emma Rios, Gianna Dioso, Giselle Hermosillo, Joselyn Cardenas, Kendall Grandison, Kylie Tango, Natalie Sanchez, and Nevaeh Chavez.

JAMZ Cheer and Dance offers many events throughout the year, and is well known for their best-in-class productions.