U-High Gets Win Over Tara On a Night About More Than Basketball

Thursday, November 29, 2018

University Lab School, Baton Rouge

The U-High Cubs Boys Basketball team improved to 5-0 on the season at home on Thursday night, with a convincing 77-57 win over the visiting Tara Trojans… but this night was about much more than basketball to this community in Baton Rouge.

Tonight was about honoring a son, a teammate, and a friend who spent the last few years of a life too short, showing his amazing athletic ability on the basketball courts of U-High and LSU.

Wayde Sims was tragically killed on September 28, only two months ago as a young and promising player who was expected to do great things on a national level. His memory was honored by the school and his family after the game, as his #44 jersey will forever hang in a frame and never be worn again. His is the first retired jersey at U-High for any athlete in any sport.

Before the ceremony Coach Joe Spencer had a task at hand, leading his varsity team into its fifth game and trying to continue to improve in the first part of the season. The Cubs were lead by three juniors in the winning effort: Milan Mejia (20 points), D.J. Morton (15 points), and Shawn Jones (12 points).

U-High started strong and never trailed, although after a 15-2 lead at the end of the first quarter, Tara had a strong second quarter sparked by Nicolaus Council. At intermission, the Cubs’ lead was cut slightly, 35-24.

In a game marked by tough defense and full court pressure on both sides, the second half was too much for Tara Coach Marcus Mitchell’s Trojans. After three quarters, they trailed 55-40, continuing to battle behind Council’s scoring. The Cubs defense mostly forced him to create his own looks and the half court game didn’t see much ball movement that might have gotten more looks for other Trojans.

Council finished with 23 points, and Tiyan Daniels added 13. U-High improved to 5-0, and Tara’s record falls to 1-3.

Following the game, the gym was attentive and almost full, as the focus was on honoring Sims.

“We haven’t had a crowd like this all year, so the players were a bit nervous,” a U-High parent explained after the game.

U-High Coach Joe Spencer had the pleasure of coaching Sims, who scored over 3,000 points and 3 straight state titles while playing for the Cubs. He issued a statement before the game.

“Wayde was a great basketball player and a wonderful person with a fantastic spirit who was loved by so many. He was a giant at U-High, and we are heart broken by this loss, but I know we will remember him fondly and carry on his spirit. His legacy will live on here forever!”

Coach Will Wade and several assistant coaches and Sims’ teammates from LSU were in attendance as well. After the ceremony, referring to his LSU players’ dealing with the loss over the past two months, Coach Wade said, “We have good days and bad days.”

Sims was described as one of the jokesters on the team- one who often smiled and looked for things to laugh about and bring a light heartedness to the group.

After tonight, the #44 jersey will always remind the U-High Community and all who visit the gym of its greatest player. How special that this amazing athlete was also one of the best teammates and great people who positively affected those around him. #FOREVER44 wristbands were handed out to all in attendance as a tribute.