UPDATED: Whiteoak 8th graders win SHAC girls basketball tournament
(Photo courtesy of Michelle Gleim)
The Whiteoak Lady Wildcats won the Southern Hills Athletic Conference eighth grade girls basketball tournament.
Pictured for Whiteoak are: (front, l-r): Emily Brill, Ella Howard, Natalie Burnett, Marley Parsons and Kennadi Storms; and (back, l-r) Coach Derrik Haithcock, Ryan Gobin, Maddie Oliver, Jayla Haithcock, Taelyn Shriver, Jada Combs, Libby Webster, Jillian Lucas and Tessa Potts.
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The following article was submitted by the coach:
In a triumphant display of skill and teamwork, Coach Derrik Haithcock has propelled the seventh and eighth grade Whiteoak Junior High girls basketball team to a series of remarkable victories, marking a significant milestone in the team's season with a total of 10 seventh grade girls playing for the eighth grade team.
Total records: seventh grade, 13-2; eighth grade with tournament play, 17-1; and a total combined record of 30-3.
Under Coach Haithcock's guidance, the team has demonstrated exceptional determination and talent, showcasing their prowess on the court with the seventh grade girls small league conference victory and the eighth grade girls SHAC tournament win as well as eighth grade tying for league champs. With unwavering dedication and strategic coaching, the players have exhibited remarkable improvement and cohesion, solidifying their position as formidable contenders in their league.
Coach Haithcock's leadership style, characterized by a combination of mentorship and motivation, has instilled confidence and discipline in the team, fostering a winning mindset that transcends the game itself. Through his tireless efforts, he has not only honed the players’ basketball skills but also imparted invaluable life lessons on perseverance, sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork.
In their latest series of victories, the Whiteoak Jr. High girls basketball team showcased their exceptional talent and resilience, earning admiration and accolades from spectators and opponents alike. With each game, they continue to defy expectations and push the boundaries of their potential, embodying the spirit of determination and excellence that defines their coach's leadership.
