2025 Zama, Division-II Far East cheerleading champion team. (Zama cheer)

Zama and Guam High capped their respective cheerleading seasons by bringing home team banners in last week’s Far East clinic and competition at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Led by six veterans who helped the Trojans to the Division II title last year, Zama repeated as small-schools champion, winning the D-II banner for the third time. The Trojans also won the D-I title in 1989.

The Panthers captured the Division I title four years ago, but that was during the coronavirus pandemic, when all such competitions were done virtually. This time, they did it in person at Yokota High School.

“I think this one was even more special because we added new skills for our two returning flyers, and new goals, so it’s rewarding to see the hard work pay off,” Trojans coach Lyndsay Morrison said.

While the Trojans brought a wealth of returning experience, Zama also faced challenges this season, Morrison said – two seniors graduated from last year’s team and one of its main bases transferred.

“Our six experienced returners led the way with the confidence and experience needed to guide us through,” Morrison said of Kaylie Brown and Yerianys Padin Caro, each four-year Trojans veterans.

“They were key to maintaining our team’s momentum and spirit” as well as being part of Zama’s all-girl stunt team that took that first-place award for the first time, Morrison said. Lea Rolland stepped up as the team’s lead tumbler and point dancer.

“This year, despite the changes and challenges, I believe it was our team’s resilience and commitment that led us to victory,” Morrison said. “And we look forward to even greater achievements ahead.”

The Panthers sent a relatively new team to Yokota, following their second-place finish a year ago. None of the Panthers were part of the team that won virtually, coach Alayna Rennie said.

“Three of the kids this year were there (in 2024), so six of the nine I brought this year had never competed before,” Rennie said.

They were led by Jensen Flahaut, who was named to the All-Far East team and took the D-I Best Tumbler award.

It was sort of now-or-never for the Panthers, who lose one senior and two PCS-ing juniors after this year, “so they were extra glad they got to win it before they were done at Guam High,” Rennie said.

Also assisting the Panthers to the title were Ava Shuman, Hayden Buck, Vienna Ryan, Amielle Atohoun, Klara Sander, Aundrea Ching, Daisy Cutshaw and Milana Pipoly.

Guam High, Far East Division-I cheerleading champion team. (Guam High cheer)

Division I standings: 1. Guam High, 2. Kubasaki, 3. Kadena

D-I All-Far East team: American School In Japan: Yzuki Ito, Naomi Drucker, Anna Fink; Guam: Jensen Flahaut; Humphreys: Elizabeth Yi; Kadena: Sarah Beth Walker, Navoni Perry, Jayla Shipp; Kubasaki: Sadie Manzo, Riley Moran, Melia Lopez, Kaylani Desenganio.

Division II standings: 1. Zama, 2. Yokota, 3. Edgren

D-II All-Far East team: Edgren: Leilani Huntington, Emili Castano; E.J. King: Gabriella Barrera; Yokota: Bella Ramirez, Brooklyn Dean; Camielle Dixon, Karli Smathers, Kiele Klaus; Zama: Paula Adams, Lani Pueblos, Kyona Lisboa, Evelyn Schmidt.

Top jumper: Jayla Shipp, Kadena.

Top tumbler: Jensen Flahaut, Guam.

All-girl stunt: Zama, Paula Adams, Lani Pueblos, Shayla Rood, Kaylee Brown.

Partner stunt: Kadena, Jayla Shipp, Navoni Perry.

Link to competition: https://youtube.com/live/RYvMiunfq3k?feature=shared