Road to State movie poster, courtesy of Dre Whitney Films.
Whether you were in the grandstands for every three pointer during the Wildcats’ amazing run to the state championship or you’ve been itching to see all the action you missed, a Lake Highlands High School alum’s new video series is just what you’ve been waiting for.
Road to State, the 3-part documentary-style film produced by 2023 grad Dre Whitney, tells the story of LHHS’ historic journey to the Alamodome, where hundreds of parents, alums and community members watched Coach Joe Duffield lead his team to the school’s first state title since 1968. In dramatic fashion, Whitney documents the way Duffield’s players and coaches overcame obstacles and surprises along the way to etch their names in Texas UIL history books.
You may watch parts one and two on YouTube below.
Whitney grew up playing basketball in Lake Highlands, where he developed a love for the game and a relationship with Wildcat coaches and players. Whitney and cinematographer Sam Thomas, another then-senior, were granted rare access into their inner circle to film the highest highs and lowest lows along the way.
“It was such a unique experience,” says Whitney, who’ll be attending AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles this fall. “Growing up as a kid I remember being so interested in the high school basketball teams, and I told myself that I wanted to be a part of that one day. This is my way of being part of their legacy. This is a show about what goes on behind the scenes and what it took to win state, but this was also an opportunity for me to explore cinematic themes such as hard work, stepping up in big moments and how basketball can help people.”
Whitney and Thomas will screen part three Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. at the Skillman/Walnut Hill Jake’s Gameday. Several of the players, who recently received their state championship rings, are expected to be in attendance. The community is invited.
“I made this film series as a final goodbye, or my ‘legacy’ on the school community,” says Whitney. “This community means so much to me, and I want to show it off in the best way I know how.”
Wildcat players and coaches received their state championship rings. Photo courtesy of the LH Wildcat Club.
