The Warren Lincoln state champion boys’ basketball team got a little bit of help from the Warren Police Athletic League last week in terms of commemorating their historic season.

The 2025 Abes defended their 2024 Division 2 State Championship title when they defeated Summit Academy North 58-51 on March 15 under the guidance of head coach Wydell Henry.

Like all champions, the Abes were very excited to obtain their championship rings. But the almost $7,000 cost of the commemorative rings could not be taken from the Lincoln High School budget and was more than team members could afford.

Wydell began exploring outside funding sources so that his team could have a token of their 2025 championship.

A couple of Lincoln’s Warren Police School Resource Officers (SROs) caught wind of the funding issue and decided to take action.

For the second straight year, and with the support of the entire Warren Police Department, the Police Athletic League was able to donate $3,000 towards the final purchase of the championship rings.

The donation allowed the ring production process to begin with an anticipated delivery date of June 2025.

“I always tell my players ‘be phenomenal or be forgotten’,” said Henry. “This amazing donation was truly phenomenal and will never be forgotten by any of the coaches or players.”

Lincoln High School alumnus and the head of both Warren PAL and a Lincoln SRO, officer Deandre Tucker, had the honor of presenting the donation check to Henry earlier this month.

“I, along with every player, appreciate the support for our championship rings,” Henry said.

While the PAL’s $3,000 donation is a fantastic start, the Abes still need approximately $2,000 to guarantee rings for all of the players, coaches, and essential staff.

A GoFundMe has been set up for donations to the Championship rings at gofundme.com/f/rings-for-our-state-champion-abes-team

As of April 28, $1,730 had been raised toward the $2,200 goal.