With many spins, moves, and crossovers, both Hernando High School’s varsity basketball teams had more ups and downs than a roller coaster. Leading the game against the Chargers, Franziska Kelly had five three-pointers, seven two-pointers, three fouls, and seven points from the free throw line. Ending the game with a total of 53 to 79, the girls’ basketball team had an outstanding victory against Oxford. Unfortunately, during the boys’ game, number five, Joseph Newberry, fouled out after 5 fouls. On the other hand, number twenty-five had an outstanding performance, with two three-pointers and five two-pointers. After being neck and neck with the Chargers, the boys lost 55 to 67.
Prior to the varsity girls’ game, Hernando High School brought out a few of the alumni basketball players to honor the last high school game on the Theron E. Long court. One of the alumni, Laurie Walton, who not only is a teacher at Hernando High School but was once a student and basketball player when this court was first built, told us, “I was the second graduating class from this high school, and my son [John Walton] will be the second graduating class from the new high school,” and continued with, “I’m very excited, especially because I think my class will finally have a window.”. Mrs. Walton was also one of the alumni that went on the court at the beginning of the game to be recognized. After being recognized, all the returning alumni were invited to have a dinner, provided by Compel Church, in the cafeteria so they could reminisce on the past and think towards the future.
Speaking of the past, in 2017, after the passing of Theron E. Long, who was a teacher, coach, principal, and board member of the DeSoto County School District for over forty years, it was decided by the community to name Hernando High School’s basketball court after him. This was to honor his memory and the commitment he made to the DeSoto County’s schools for the four decades he did. His name was then painted on the walls of Hernando High School and ever since, it has been known as the “Theron E. Long Gym”. As Hernando High School transfers schools, the question of whether it will stay the Theron E. Long Gym began to circulate. After speaking to Nic Brown, he told us, “It should stay the Theron E. Long court. Like I said, he was a principal and a coach here. Like the new gym will have someone else’s name.”. So, to answer the big question, maybe, right now no one is 100% sure, but most people seem to believe that it will in fact stay the Theron E. Long Gym.
After looking into the history of the gym, let’s transition to the present and future for Hernando High School’s gym. After speaking to the coaches about their individual experience and how they feel about the situation, this is what they had to say. The girls’ coach, Blake Jones, was quoted saying, “It was good to be part of the ending of the old and in with the new. Granted, I’ll be here next year.” Then he went on to say, “Coaching the last game in the old gym and then getting to coach in the new gym–that’s historic for me personally; not many people might think about it, but it’ll be cool.”. In addition, the boys’ coach, Justin Neely, said, “It was a great atmosphere with a lot of fans there and a lot of sports, alumni, coaches, family, and friends. It was special.”. After receiving these quotes from both coaches, I believe it is safe to assume that this has just been a new, awesome part of Hernando history that they are both so thankful to be a part of.
As we circle back around, another big question begins to arise, “Who will the new Tiger Basketball gym be named after?”. At this point there is no sure answer, leaving many wondering.
