By Payton Moody
In the realm of high school basketball, the journey to excellence often unfolds under the
guidance of a remarkable coach. For Haylie Brantley, a student-athlete at Broken Bow High
School, that guiding light is Coach Toby Bean. “He has pushed me to be the best version of
myself and has never given up on me,” she said.
Haylie recognizes that the game isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about the cohesive
unit, the team. “I admire all of my teammates,” she said. “We all put in a lot of hard work,
sweat and tears. As a team, we know whoever is on or off the court, we have a job to do.”
In the classroom, it’s not just about academic knowledge; it’s about life lessons and
mentorship. Mrs. Wanda Wood, Haylie’s favorite teacher, imparts not only historical facts
but invaluable life wisdom. “She always gives life lessons and is there when I need someone
to talk to,” Haylie said.
Off-season preparation is a critical part of any athlete’s journey to success. Despite being a
multi-sport athlete, Haylie found time to attend a week-long point guard camp organized
by PGC. “I hope to take what I learned and put it to use this season,” Haylie said.
Lessons learned on the court often extend beyond it, shaping one’s daily life. “Basketball
has taught me to work hard for what I want, and if I don’t like the outcome, keep working
hard, and I will achieve it,” Haylie said.
Reflecting on her basketball journey, one memory stands out – scoring 20 points against
McAlester. It’s a testament to her talent and the result of relentless effort and dedication.
Haylie’s goals for the upcoming season are both individual and team oriented. Individually,
she aims to refine her offensive skills, become an exceptional defensive player and serve as
a team leader on and off the court. As a team, they aspire to maintain their strong work
ethic, nurture a positive atmosphere, and offer unwavering support to each other.
As her high school journey approaches its end, Haylie Brantley envisions a future in
dentistry: “After high school, I plan to pursue a degree in dentistry at a college of my
choice.”
