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Riverdale seniors leave behind a lasting legacy, promise for future




Riverdale seniors Alexis Whittington (left) Brinae Alexander (center) and Amanda Whittington (right) will go down as one of the most successful senior classes in Riverdale history. MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Riverdale seniors Alexis Whittington (left) Brinae Alexander (center) and Amanda Whittington (right) will go down as one of the most successful senior classes in Riverdale history. MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Not many high school basketball teams in the country have or will put up the three-year run that the Riverdale Lady Warriors just completed. On Saturday, Riverdale beat Houston 77-50, claiming its third straight Class AAA state title.

The Lady Warriors are the first team in Class AAA to accomplish such an achievement since the Shelbyville girls won four consecutive state titles from 1989-1992.

“We’re just blessed because we had this opportunity,” senior Alexis Whittington said. “Some teams dream of getting to the state championship and we had the opportunity to get there three times and win. That’s a big blessing.”

“These guys made it easy,” Riverdale coach Randy Coffman added. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of these kids. I’m 51-years-old, and in my 51 years, I’ve gotten to share something great with these kids. It’ll be stories I tell my grandkids when they’re old enough to understand. I’m so proud.

“I came to Riverdale for one reason: to win state titles at Riverdale. It’s a great tradition that was started here back in ’07.”

Riverdale’s Allison Mayeux hugs teammate Alexis Whittington after winning the 2018 Class AAA Division 1 girls state championship. ETHAN SCOTT

Riverdale’s Allison Mayeux hugs teammate Alexis Whittington after winning the 2018 Class AAA Division 1 girls state championship. ETHAN SCOTT

Over the last three years, Riverdale has looked unbeatable at times. With a 102-5 record, three consecutive state championships and one national championship, Brinae Alexander, Alexis Whittington and Amanda Whittington leave behind a legacy that will be the gold standard for future Lady Warriors.

Next season, they will go their separate ways – Alexander will be playing on West End for Vanderbilt, while the Whittington sisters will suit up for MTSU.

“The resiliency that is sitting beside me, MTSU is going to get to feel that,” Coffman said. “Vanderbilt is going to get to feel that, because that’s what these kids will bring to those programs.”

Three straight state titles are a rare accomplishment. However, the memories they shared not only this year, but the last three seasons, will last far beyond the hardwood and the bright lights of college basketball.

Riverdale’s head coach Randy Coffman is awarded the 2018 Class AAA Division 1 girls state championship coaches award plaque. ETHAN SCOTT

Riverdale’s head coach Randy Coffman is awarded the 2018 Class AAA Division 1 girls state championship coaches award plaque. ETHAN SCOTT

“I knew it would be bittersweet,” Alexis Whittington said. “But I love playing with them and I just knew that if we got the job done, it would feel a little bit better. We’ve played together for a while, since like fourth grade. So, we’ve been with each other for a long time.”

“Not a lot of people have teammates that are going to college right down the street from you,” Amanda Whittington added. “It’s just awesome.”

Each year, each team and each championship was different. But of the three, the seniors all seemed to be in agreement that this one was the best one.

“Probably this one because, you know, we go out with a bang,” Alexander said. “We finished on a good note. I had big dreams, I did think we could do it (win three state titles). I believed that we had the capability to do it and I’m proud of my team and I’m proud of where we are now. We were very successful throughout our whole career. We couldn’t do it without each other.”

It wasn’t always easy. There were many growing pains along the way. However, there is no doubt that the bond forged between Coffman and his departing seniors was strengthened not only by the success of their three-year run, but the closeness they shared in coming together to achieve greatness.

“It was kind of weird when (coach Coffman) came in after my freshman year,” Alexis Whittington said. “I was new to this and didn’t know what was happening. With him, it’s sweet to know that we’ve won three state championships and I’m just grateful.”

“I’ll cry like a 2-year-old,” Coffman said about how he will react when he finally has to say goodbye to the seniors. “I’ll get to watch Brinae right down the road (at Vanderbilt). I don’t even have to leave the city to see the Whittingtons, they’re going to be right here at MTSU. I’m going to get to see them front and center.”

With the departure of three of the five starters, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare for the Lady Warriors. With the sisters Hayes leading the way next season, plus returning contributors this season like Jalyn Holcomb, plus Acacia Hayes and other newcomers, this Riverdale squad could potentially be loaded for years to come.

“I’m excited,” Coffman said. “We’ve got a great core group returning and we’re really excited about what’s sitting on our bench and then we’re bringing in a ninth-grade group that’s really good too.”

“I think we’ll make it (back) here next year,” sophomore Alasia Hayes said. “I think we can do it. I think as a team, if we play together, we can make it here again.”

Follow Michael Gallagher on Twitter @mpatrickg5

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