When the Westgate High School boys basketball team takes on Ellender High School this weekend for the state championship at the State Farm Top 28 in the Cajundome, the team may get an extra boost when it sees several of the school’s dance team members on the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-State Sprit team for 2007.

Kierra Eddie, a junior, along with seniors Tyhanna Galentine, Ashalie Gonsoulin and Shanique Paul have all been selected as members of the LHSAA All-State Spirit Team and will join other students from across the state to perform at the games this weekend.

About 300 students were selected for the All-State Spirit team, said Ashile Plowden, the WHS dance team sponsor who nominated the students.

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The students said they were honored to be participating in this weekend’s events. They all plan to attend college, with the possibility of dancing for the school dance team.

Eddie is the daughter of Natasha Smith and is an honor student at WHS who said she loves dancing.

“I am striving to be the best that I can be at anything I do. I love dancing, school and life. Dancing is one of my top priorities, and this is one of my biggest accomplishments,” said Eddie.

Galentine is the daughter of Wonderful and Maurice Ruffin and Bryant Trahan Sr.

During four years at WHS, she has been involved in a number of clubs. She plans, this fall, to attend Nicholls State University where she will major in chemistry.

Gonsoulin is the daughter of Pamela and Lynwood Gonsoulin and is the captain of the Westgate High School dance team.

She has also been involved in a number of clubs at WHS and plans to attend Louisiana State University this fall and major in biochemistry.

Paul is the daughter of Vernell and Earl Paul.

She plans to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University this fall and major in English and minor in drama/dance.

Paul has been a member of the National Honor Society, girls basketball, Beta Club and Renaissance Club.