By Okon Ekpenyong

Whitehall, Ohio- Whitehall Yearling High School Ram First-year girls’s Basketball Head Coach Renny Tyson praises the team and community for a successful inaugural season.

While Women’s basketball is different from men’s, what translates across the board when it comes to success is discipline and dedication. These girls on the Whitehall Yearling Girl’s Basketball team have both a passion for the game and a passion for it. They play well together, and with the help of their coaches, these women have become a force in the high school basketball league

Renny Tyson has made a huge impact and led the team to a remarkable 15-4 record after a bounce-back win against Bishop Ready 62-52 on January 28th. Truly, it’s been an unforgettable turnaround from a year ago. Coach Tyson says he started by organizing a highly effective meeting with players and parents, outlining his expectations and goals for the season. 

Upon taking over a team that finished the 2023-2024 season with a record of 4-16 overall and 2-12 in conference play, following a challenging 2022-2023 season with an overall record of 2-20 and 0-14 in conference play, the expectations were considerably high. 

In the Central Buckeye Conference, the team is 2nd behind Buckeye Valley, whom they have lost to twice, with a conference record of 10-3 and an overall standing of 14-4, the inaugural season under Tyson looks promising. In the two games against Buckeye Valley, 12-0 in the conference, the Rams lost 60-40 in the first game and 47-32 in the second. In the four games Whitehall has lost, they averaged 38.5 points per game, while in the games they have won, they averaged between 50 and 60 points.

In their last game against Buckeye Valley, Whitehall put up a strong defensive effort for three quarters, preventing the Buckeyes from running up the scoreboard as quickly as they did in the first matchup. However, Whitehallstruggled offensively throughout the entire game. The team believes developing self-confidence will help them execute offensive plays more effectively.

Building that Winning Culture

With 19 games behind them and only three remaining, the anticipation for post-season play for the team and the community builds excitement. Furthermore, Coach Tyson echoes that the team’s achievements are due to their commitment to academics, strong teamwork, and an aggressive style of basketball, all of which contribute to a positive atmosphere for the season.

Defensive Strategy

The team’s constantly playing tough and aggressive defense throughout each possession is a key reason for their success, especially after finishing 2-12 in last year’s conference play. Coach Tyson says instilling a defensive mindset in his players, emphasizing the importance of creating steals and scoring in transition, was the goal from day one. 

Player’s Development

When it comes to each player’s development, Coach Tyson says earlier on, he spent much one-on-one time with each player, learning about their strength and weaknesses as a way to find ways to improve their skills. Players like Kaylee Jackson, Jayla Dukes, and Kyle Myers have taken on leadership roles, which has helped the team grow. However, the players are learning to develop their skills through detailed practice plans and film study, which will carry that attitude with them beyond high school. 

“Upperclassmen have done a great job of keeping us in games and winning games like Kaylee Jackson and Jayla Dukes,” Coach Tyson says. 

Community Engagement

Coach Tyson says building that community engagement and reconnecting with alumni did help foster a strong support system for the team. He has invited alum players to speak to the team and has encouraged community members to attend games. 

Goals for the Remainder of the Season

With three games to go, Coach Tyson’s objectives for the team remain one game at a time. Prioritize defense, enhance team chemistry, and support player development. He also intends to keep having the players get those offensive rebounds, which is one area that needs improving. 

Personal Growth and Vision for the Future

Coach Tyson’s success in his first season has been invaluable, and he has learned much about himself as a coach and leader. He also recognizes the essence of the community having the team back and the importance of continuous growth and development for himself and his players. He wants the future of the Whitehall Yearling girls’ basketball to be bright, and he is committed to building a program built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and teamwork on/off the court.

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