Cleve Whitener 1968
You’ve heard stories about Lake Highlands High School’s 1981 state football championship, but did you know the Wildcats earned the state title for basketball in 1968?
LHHS played 3A ball in those days, and the winning game was a barn-burner. The Cats surprised heavily-favored Lubbock Dunbar by forcing 21 turnovers, and Bell Boy Jerry Allen, who later became a Dallas City Councilman, sank two free throws in the last 10 seconds of the game to LHHS ahead 51-49. At the final buzzer, Dunbar missed a chance to tie when called for traveling. Game, Lake Highlands.
The current Wildcat men’s and women’s basketball teams will host a community Tip Off to commemorate the 50th anniversary and honor the 1968 team on Thursday, Nov. 1. The fun begins with a $10 cookout, featuring burgers and hot dogs by The Hamburger Man from 5-6:30 p.m. and performances by the Highlandettes, Wranglers, Ruby Reds and cheerleaders. The varsity scrimmage will include a dunk contest and 3-point shootout, and members of the 1968 championship team will be honored at halftime.
Admission, and even raffle tickets, are free.
Members of the 1968 team were Jerry Allen, 5’10” Sr; Bill Brock, 5’11” Jr; Reggie Duck, 6’1” Jr; Gary Grinsfelder, 5’10” Sr; Emil Jacobs, 5’10” Sr; Robert LaFevers, 6’3” Sr; Richard Langdon, 6’8” Sr; George Parker, 6’1” Jr; Bart Patey, 5’9” Sr; Bob Schmidt, 6’5” Sr; Mike Scobee, 5’11” Sr; Wyatt Standifer, 6’1” Jr; Doug Tanck, 6’5” Sr; Eric Teter, 5’10” Jr; & Clevie Whitener, 5’11” Sr.
Bart Patey 1968
LHHS big gym
Bart Patey 1968
