Highlands boys varsity basketball team hosted Swain last month on Senior Night and lost a nail biter by two points, 59-57.
It was a tough loss for Highlands for the final home game of the season, but there were moments of happiness when Highlands recognized it’s senior players; including Gig Chalker, Collin Stoltzfus, Ethan Tate, and Lane Tingen.
Highlands Gig Chalker shoots a long jump shot against Swain on Senior Night.
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb said the four have been a big part of their program who will be missed.
“They bring a mindset of playing hard when the ball is thrown up each game,” said Lamb. “They competed every night and gave us a big presence on the floor. They have been a pleasure to coach and I hope the younger guys can build from their leadership this past year.”
Highlands Ethan Tate boxes out a Swain player on Senior Night.
Lamb added that this group has been through some ups and downs with games, injuries, and dealing with all the pandemic protocols. He hopes they take what they have learned playing as a team and use it towards achieving a successful future in life.
Highlands Lane Tingen fakes a pass and takes the shot.
Highlands Collin Stoltzfus boxes out a Swain player to grab a rebound.
“We would just like to thank all the players, cheerleaders, parents and fans for helping support us through a tough and different year due to COVID,” said Lamb. “We look forward to the day we can all get back in the gym and have a full house for games. Our motto has been attack each practice and game like it’s your last. We will carry that into next year with a chip on our shoulders and work to bring a conference championship to Highlands!”
From left are Highlands Seniors Gig Chalker, Collin Stoltzfus, Ethan Tate, Hadley Templeton, Lane Tingen, and Jordan Carrier on Senior Night, Feb. 16. Carrier could not play this season due to injury, which is why she is not in uniform.
Highlands Seniors:
Gig Chalker
Highlands Senior Gig Chalker and family on Senior Night.
Favorite memory: When I hit the game winner against Robbinsville and the whole team went wild.
Future plans: Attend Western Carolina University and study business.
Highlands Gig Chalker puts up 2 points against Swain.
Collin Stoltzfus
Highlands Senior Collin Stoltzfus and family on Senior Night.
Favorite memory: Dooley and Coach Lamb gave me the nickname “Ferdinand,” because they said I was like a bull in a China shop. Also, I was grateful to be able to play basketball with both of my brothers in High School.
Comments: I want to thank all my coaches, friends and family for supporting me.
Highlands Collin Stoltzfus picks off a Swain pass and brings the ball down court.
Ethan Tate:
Highlands Senior Ethan Tate and family on Senior Night.
Future plans: Attend High Point University as a Presidential Scholar to study Computer Science.
Highlands Ethan Tate doesn’t give up an inch of position against Swain on Senior Night.
Lane Tingen:
Highlands Senior Lane Tingen and family on Senior Night.
Favorite memory: I think tonight (Senior Night) might be my favorite memory from high school; playing with my brothers, my friends, and family around me.
Comments: I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and to all my coaches for helping me throughout my high school career.
Future plans: Attend a 4-year college and earn a degree in Civil Engineering.
Highlands Lane Tingen on a fast break against Swain.
Highlands James Earp doesn’t give up on a rebound that seems just out of reach.
Highlands JJ Postell brings the ball down court. Posters in honor of Highlands Senior athletes in the background.
Highlands Brent Sleight makes his way to the basket at his usual break-neck pace.
Highlands Jeffrey Olvera brings the ball down court under pressure from Swain.
Highlands Nathan Keener forces a turnover against Swain.
10 seconds left on the clock, one point game, and one shot left; Highlands Lane Tingen takes a breath to calm down. He drained both shots to tie up the game.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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