SHELBY — Support for Shelby’s boys basketball program has continued past the Whippets’ season-ending loss in the state semifinals.
On Monday, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag read a proclamation recognizing players and coaches who helped piece together the Whippets’ historic season.
Shelby fell to Maysville 68-65 in the Division II state semifinals on March 23 at the University of Dayton. Nearly 7,000 fans were in attendance.
Schag thanked the boys basketball program for a season the community will remember for years to come.
“It’s been such a blessing to watch this team play, whether in the stands or from the comforts of my living room from time to time,” he said.
“I told (Shelby) coach (Greg) Gallaway what a great group of young men we have here, representing the City of Shelby. I just loved what was exemplified on the floor; character and class all the way through with sportsmanship.”
Whippets represented Shelby community on the big stage
Shelby’s 2024 tournament run set several program bests, including the most wins in a single season. The Whippets also earned their first regional crown and state semifinal appearance in boys program history.
Schag said the community “fell in love” with the 2023-24 team, adding he was proud of the way the Whippets represented their city.
“Naturally we’d all rewrite the last few minutes of everything here and there — but life does go on. I think you young men know that,” he said.
“I know it hurts like crazy in the moment — but be assured the City of Shelby was with you each step of the way. We were hooping and hollering when you were on the floor, and we were cheering and crying with you. Our hearts are right with yours.”
Each player and coach received a copy of the proclamation, which declared April 5, 2024 as Shelby Senior High School Boys Basketball Achievement Recognition Day.
Senior Alex Bruskotter, Ohio’s Division II Player of the Year, was unable to attend. The three-time All-Ohioan is playing in Italy this week on a team which includes talent from around Ohio.
(Below is a PDF with the full proclamation read by Schag on Monday evening.)
In other action Monday, City Council:
— proclaimed April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Shelby.
— passed an ordinance repealing Chapter 290 (Buildings and Grounds Commission) of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Shelby.
— passed an ordinance establishing a zoning classification for property annexed to the City of Shelby.
— passed an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 5-2024 (annual appropriations).
— passed a resolution declaring the remains of 144 Second St. Rear to be insecure, unsafe, structurally defective and dangerous to life and other property. The resolution directs the mayor to enter into a contract with the Richland County Land Bank for its demolition.