After Eighteen Years Wheatland High School Basketball Boys Go To State 

Be where your feet are 

By Sara King 

A huge moment in Wheatland School history was when our Wheatland Mules boys basketball team won the quarter finals game, earning them a trip to represent this district in the Final Four for state at Missouri University. They play this Friday, March 14, 2025  against Chadwick High School, and if they win they will go for the win against either St. Elizabeth or Braymer on Saturday. Our boys have played a great season and will finish strong no matter what.

This position is not just exciting  for our boys, but our entire school since it has been 18 years since Wheatland has been to state. The boys have earned their way with hard work and playing in really challenging games, with the help of their coach, Brian Pearson, and assistant coach, Jacob Morlan. “I’m very excited, very humbled and honored,” said Coach Pearson. “Our strength is our tuffness and our mindset, we also have a lot of grit.” 

Motivation does not seem to be an issue for the Wheatland boys basketball team according to Coach Pearson, “I don’t think they are going to need a ton of motivation to be down there, I think they will be motivated enough.” Coach Pearson enjoys his players success over his own and embraces his team’s accomplishment. “I will step back and watch the boys celebrate and get joy in their celebration.” Coach Pearson left these words of advice for his players, “Be where your feet are and we got a job to do!” 

The boys are also very happy that they got this opportunity. This may be a once in a lifetime chance for the Wheatland High School boys. Many middle school and high school students are ready to cheer for them. There are quite a few teachers and students that are going to Columbia, Missouri and staying overnight to watch their games. We can expect the gym to be loud and packed full of cheering fans, this should make our boys even more determined to win.

Wheatland Junior basketball player, Daniel Jones, said, “We have had successful teams in the past, but none of them were able to get the job done. Us boys have been playing together since preschool and we knew if we were going to go to state, it would be this year.” Jones is aware of the significance of Wheatland going to state, but if Wheatland wins it’s an even bigger achievement for our school and community. “If we win it will be great since the school has never won state before. I feel like it won’t just be me celebrating, but our entire community will be cheering for us and it will just be great!”

Jones believes in being more than just a basketball player for Wheatland R-II School district, he believes in being a role model for younger classmen. “My biggest strength is being a good example for the younger teammates. I show up to practice early and practice hard. I believe that is a good example to give kids that if they work hard and communicate it will help in life.”

Jones is less worried about his performance in the game and knows his purpose on the floor with his teammates. “My performance is simple but complex. It is not much of my performance but my job, my job is to be the vocal leader and to be the communicator and if everyone else does their job we have a good shot of winning. Practice hard even when no one is watching because that will directly show up in the game in how you play. Be coachable and take advice from others.” These were Jones’ words of advice for his younger teammates.

The school and community have come together for this great accomplishment to be supportive in many ways and help the school be positive and cheerful. This is a sight to see when everyone comes together and can’t wait to see the boys succeed. GO MULES!