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?

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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

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.