Shelby boys basketball team honored with special day
Honors continue arriving for the Shelby Whippets boys basketball team that made a deep run in the state playoffs, culminating in a state Final Four appearance.
In a special proclamation presented during Monday’s Shelby City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Schag declared April 5, 2024, as “Shelby Senior High School Boys Basketball Achievement Recognition Day” to honor the team for its 2023-2024 season.
“This special day of honor will serve as a testament to this team’s historic accomplishments and the lasting impact they have had on the Shelby community,” Schag said.
This special day recognizes the team’s monumental achievements, including their first-ever Ohio Division II Regional Championship and a coveted spot in the Final Four, setting a school record with 25 wins.
The Shelby Whippets’ journey to the top included winning the Midohio Athletic Conference championship and going undefeated in conference play.
Their remarkable season included championship victories in the sectional, district, and Regional tournaments at the Stroh Center at Bowling Green State University.
The team’s success was further highlighted by Alex Bruskotter being named the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division II Player of the Year, and teammate Casey Lantz earning special mention All-ohio honors.
Mayor Schag, in his proclamation, emphasized the teamwork and sacrifice shown during the Shelby Whippets’ season. “The Shelby Whippets boys basketball team had a historic season” that included the Final Four appearance “showcasing their talents and skills to the entire state of Ohio,” Schag wrote in the proclamation.
He also praised the “outstanding achievements from players whose excellence on the court has been well documented by sportscasters and sportswriters across Ohio.”
He also highlighted the pivotal role of head Coach Greg Gallaway and his talented coaching
al students, Green started with Bella Britt, praised for her exemplary kindness, work ethic, and respectfulness.
“Bella was such an easy choice for her teachers,” Green shared, celebrating Bella’s kindness, work ethic, and the respect and leadership that she shows.
“She is super helpful, she’s got great manners, and she comes to class every day ready to give 100% effort,” Green said.
Makenzie Couch was commended for her helpfulness to others and diligent work ethic.
“When another student is struggling, Makenzie is there to offer support, inviting someone to work in a group with her,” Green detailed, recognizing Makenzie’s contributions to the school community.
Another 6th grader, Kelsey Taylor, was acknowledged for her bright personality and proactive engagement.
Green described her as a source of joy with her smile, stating, “She just
is this light as well,” and applauding her positivity, hard work and involvement at the school.
Wearing a suit, Landon Tackett was noted for his impeccable manners and helpfulness.
“He is the epitome of being helpful and kind and respectful every single day,” Green remarked, highlighting his daily greetings and willingness to assist.
“He is helpful in the classroom, he’s a hard worker, and he’s just really willing to get involved. And I think you’ll kind of hear that theme throughout all of our students,” Green said.
In the 7th grade, Ariel Stine and Marcus Uyoa stood out for their integrity and diligence.
Green pointed out Ariel’s strong decision-making skills in challenging situations, describing her as an influential leader.
“Ariel knows what is right. She knows what to do,” Green said. “And so she’s helpful and kind in the process, but she also is staying true to who she is and the values that her family has instilled in her. And that’s a huge piece of
being a leader at the middle school. A quiet leader, but a leader nonetheless, because people look up to her.”
Marcus was praised for his preparation, honesty, and willingness to help, embodying hard work and kindness.
“Every day, he comes to school ready to work and learn. He’s prepared for class,” Green said. “His teachers say that he’s got everything he needs, and when somebody else needs help, he is there to reach out and offer a helping hand.”
Another 7th grader, Connor Parsons was described as a leader at Shelby Middle School.
“He’s prepared, and he is always just there to help others out and, again, make good decisions even when sometimes good decisions are hard to make in middle school,” Green said, noting his kindness and hard work.
Ariah Zickefoose was recognized, in part, for being willing to go the extra mile.
“And the thing I love about Ariah that her teachers mentioned, they said she does not hesitate to
raise her hand and ask questions,” she said.
“She advocates for herself if she doesn’t know something or she needs clarification, and that’s a big deal,” Green said. “You’re a great example to other students in the classroom.”
Multiple 8th graders were celebrated for their diverse talents and character.
The teachers of 8th grader Cheyanne Perry’s “selected her because she’s like that quiet storm as well,” Green said. “She comes in, she’s ready to go. She knows what she needs to do, and yet she doesn’t make a big deal about it.”
“She just comes in and does the right thing. She involves herself with lots of students, so she’s not picky about who she hangs out with or those kinds of things in a positive way,” Green said. “She’s inclusive.”
Riley Cantleberry was described as “an example of shining at the middle school.”
“This smile that you see is what you see every single day,” Green said. “She’s helpful, she’s thoughtful, she’s kind. She’ll ask you
how you’re doing, and she wants to be engaged and involved in all of the activities and has made really good friends and made good decisions along the way.”
Arabella Ream was recognized for being a hard worker. “This is your definition of being prepared, wanting to do well, and putting forth the effort that it takes to excel in the classroom,” Green said. She’s accepting of other students, kind, and thoughtful.”
Clayton Mitchell described as being a fun student, hard worker, and helpful. “He always wants to just be there,” Green said. “...The teachers can always count on Clayton to be involved, be present in the building, and be present in their classroom.”
Bekkah Parsons was singled out for her artistic contributions and responsible choices.
“If you have ever received a cup of coffee from our coffee cart, you probably will see her artwork on the coffee sleeve. She loves art. She loves to sing every single day,” Green said.
Zurie Brozene was recognized
for her cheerful nature, kindness, hard work and affinity for animals.
“And she just is a light to our building as well,” Green said.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo and a renewed expression of gratitude.
“A big thank you really to the parents. I really appreciate all of the things that you do to support your students,” Green stated, emphasizing the importance of family support in the educational journey.
Shelby Schools Superintendent Michael Browning described student recognition as easily the favorite part of monthly Shelby Board of Education meeting.
“We had 14 students today get recognized, and all 14 are here with smiles on their faces, and obviously the crowd is here to see that,” Browning said.
“So we very much appreciate that (and) you guys, the work that you have (done) to send us your best every single day,” he told parents.