NATCHEZ — After two months, Natchez High School sophomore Zyaire Ewing said it just registered that the Lady Bulldogs are the MHSAA 5A state champions when the championship ring was put on her finger Thursday.

The Lady Bulldogs received their state championship ring in the school’s gym packed with the entire student body and players’ parents.

The ring has the Bulldog emblem set in the middle of diamonds.

But before the ladies were able to sport their stylish new rings, head coach Alphaka Moore took the players and the students down memory lane with a picture slide show, just to remind them of all the hard work they put into earning the piece of hardware.

“Looking at the clips, I saw how worth it, it all was,” the championship MVP Ewing said.

The slide show showed the highs and lows of what it took to be a Lady Bulldog, and how much work they put in to don the gold and blue jerseys.

The Lady Bulldogs reminisced on the hard days of summer practices, the fun road trips and some of the toughest games played throughout the season.

Several action photos showed their 34-30 win against South Jones in the South State championship. The win was also vengeance against a team that gave Natchez one of its only two losses all season.

The slide show also showed all-state tournament players Ewing, Ernesha Chatman and Kirdis Clark playing big in the state championship against South Jones, winning 54-51.

“We went through a lot of stuff (this season), and (the title) just solidified what it was all for,” Moore said. “It showed a bright future for us and Natchez High School.”

The Lady Bulldogs laughed, smiled and pointed at the clips, remembering all of the sweat, blood and tears they put into this season. And ultimately, how much they’re going to miss seniors Kiana Jones and Marquita Wallace.

“I know (the seniors) feel good about getting their rings, and I was glad we could help them get it,” Ewing said.

Each player stepped up to assistant coach Alia Frank as she slid the ring on each players’ finger.

Every coach, team manager, athletic manager and stat keeper received their ring in front of the school, but they still had one ring left.

“We have one more ring, but he is not here to receive it, we will have to send it to him,” Moore said. “But we all know (Principal Fred) Butcher deserves this ring.”

Butcher received a standing ovation from the crowd. Butcher resigned as principal of NHS last week.

Moore thanked everyone for their support throughout the season, and said she hopes to see the same number of Natchez High supporters at the state championship again next year.