Latisha Richards (pictured), along with sister Shelby, have come to love Riverton High's girls basektball program. The sisters are a big part of why the team has won 23 in a row.
Photo by Dave Argyle
Everything about their senior season has played out just right for
Shelby Richards and
Latisha Richards.
The sisters are finally playing together at
Riverton (Utah) and playing a pivotal role in helping the defending Class 5A champions emerge as the state's most dominant team this season. They feel at home in a school and community that has fully embraced them.
"There's a fit for everyone and this one just happened to be the best one for us," Shelby said.
Shelby Richards, Riverton
Photo by Dave Argyle
The feeling is mutual from their Riverton teammates, coaches and fans. The Silverwolves have won 23 straight games going back to last season and have beaten their opponents this year by an average margin of 26 points. Both Richards sisters have played a pivotal role in fostering such dominance.
Shelby leads Riverton with 13.4 points per game. Latisha is the No. 2 scorer on the team with 8.6 points per game. Each one takes turns lighting up opposing defenses from the perimeter.
It took a year of waiting for Riverton to see what this dynamic duo could on the floor together.
The sisters transferred from Bingham to Riverton at the end of their sophomore seasons. Shelby was immediately eligible to play for the Silverwolves last season. But the Utah High School Activities Association ruled that Latisha had to sit out an entire season.
She did not get to play an active role in Riverton's state title run last season, but Latisha took watching from the bench in stride. Silverwolves coach Ron Ence let her participate in team practices and travel with the team on road games.
"It wasn't like I didn't do anything," Latisha said. "I was still part of the team. Rode the bus with them. That was cool being able to practice and then take in state with them. It was pretty awesome."
Now that Latisha is finally on the court, Shelby couldn't be more thrilled to share the same backcourt with her sister.
"It's been really fun," the 5-foot-8 senior guard said. "It was tough seeing her sitting out last year and not being able to play with her. This is our last year playing together. I couldn't ask for anything more than to finish my senior year with my sister."
Both players feel like they are in a better place since coming to Riverton. Shelby takes satisfaction in seeing her grades improve since the transfer. And each sister feels like they have been blended into a family atmosphere on the Silverwolves basketball team.
There is no bickering or backbiting among players. Only unity and a shared purpose to repeat as state champions exists.
Latisha Richards, Riverton
Photo by Dave Argyle
"Riverton was so welcoming," Shelby said. "The girls were happy to have us here. You didn't have to try to fit in or anything. They were like 'Welcome to the Wolfpack. Now let's play some ball.' Everyone has just been so supportive with school and everything. It's amazing."
For Latisha, getting a fresh start was a catalyst for helping them move forward and realize their current success on and off the basketball court.
"We just needed a change," the 5-foot-7 senior guard said. "Better schooling. We just needed an environment that was going to work for both of us."
The obvious goal for both Richards sisters is the same as every other player on every other high school basketball team. They want to end their high school career as state champions – and deliver Riverton a second-consecutive title.
Beyond that milestone, nothing else is needed. For each sister, this senior season has exceeded all of their wishes and expectations. They have each other, a team that they share a close bond with and coaches who have helped them elevate their game to new levels.
"What else can you ask for?" Shelby said. "There's a lot of girls that play that just don't get all of that. I just know I'm very blessed and lucky to have all of that."
Fortune is also shining on Riverton with the Richards sisters at the helm steering the team to continued basketball dominance.
John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can email him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports
