By: Aiden Hendrickson / Co-Sports Editor
The Dragons basketball program has seen consistent success over the years and it all starts with Head Coach Trent Whitaker. It is more than winning and losing. It is about setting up the young men for the future and molding them into good people off the court.
“It gives me an opportunity to hopefully mold young men into great fathers and great husbands. I had coaches in high school who did that for me and served as role models. Being in charge of a program that has the ability to impact kids in that way means a lot to me,” Whitaker said.
Although postseason success has played a role in the program’s growth, relationships remain a top priority. Time spent together during practices and road trips has helped strengthen the team’s bond. These experiences have helped create strong chemistry.
“Winning is part of it, but it’s not the end-all. What I value most is the camaraderie between the guys. You build relationships with kids over two, three, even four years. You remember the locker room moments, the funny things that happen at practice, and the trips we take together. Those moments let the players see me as more than just a coach and let me see them for who they really are,” Whitaker said.
Players have benefited from an environment built on confidence and trust. The coaching staff encourages athletes to play freely and learn from mistakes. This approach has helped players grow throughout the season.
“He’s helped me improve as a player just by giving me confidence and letting me play free. He gives me the green light and I’m able to shoot with confidence,” senior Evan Darrah said.
Trust has become an important part of how the team handles close games. Players are encouraged to communicate and make decisions together. This has helped develop leadership across the roster.
“He is different from other coaches because he trusts us. If we are in a close game he will ask us what play we think we should run,” junior Eli Parrett said.
Effort and accountability are emphasized every day in the program. Players are expected to hustle and represent the school with pride. These standards help shape the team’s identity.
“We use the phrase ‘gritty, not pretty.’ That means doing the dirty work. hustling, cleaning up after ourselves, respecting other gyms when we travel. It’s about values. We want players to take those lessons with them long after basketball is over,” Whitaker said.
After coming close to a state championship appearance last season, motivation remains high. The experience created hunger to improve and compete at a higher level. That drive has carried into this season.
“The ultimate goal is to win a state championship. Last year we came extremely close, and that makes you hungry to get back. But I also want a program that people want to come watch — a team that competes hard every night, plays for the name on the jersey, and not just individual stats,” Whitaker said.
As the season continues, the focus remains on building strong character, relationships, and a winning culture. The program’s impact reaches beyond the court and into the lives of the players. That lasting influence is what defines Dragons basketball.
“I want people to know that I cared about every kid, whether they were the best player or the last guy on the bench. I want my work ethic and dedication to the program to be remembered. At the end of the day, it’s about being the best you can be and giving everything you have to the kids and the program,” Whitaker said.