White Is Just Fine With Lack Of Attention When Setting Records

One of the most difficult records for a high school athlete to break is the school’s career points record. Just a few weeks ago, senior Grant White did just that, becoming Neligh-Oakdale’s all-time leading scorer by passing Travis Gunderson’s 1,134 points. White broke the record, and nobody really seemed to notice.

That is just how he prefered it.

“I don’t really pay attention to my stuff,” he said. “I like to get the team involved and worry about the team.”

A standout athlete, White has had an affect on Neligh-Oakdale sports his entire high school career. His ability as the football team’s quarterback is well documented. He is also a state qualifier in track and a great baseball player.

However, basketball is one sport he has really made his mark in.

White has led the Warriors in scoring every year since his freshman year, and so far through his senior season, he is poised to do so again. He currently sits at 18.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 57 percent from the field. 

Despite being the team’s top scoring option, White remains humble and stays focused on his team and teammates rather than with individual accolades.

“I just want to make it to state and win state,” he said when asked about his goals for the rest of the year.

White reached the impressive 1,000 point mark in early February of his junior year, so he knew the career record was within reach. However, neither he nor his coaches really made it a point of emphasis as long as the team kept winning.

“We knew he was close, but honestly, we kind of forgot about it a little bit,” said Warrior head coach Frank Gade.

When asked what makes White such a standout player for Neligh-Oakdale, Gade had no trouble commending his leading scorer.

“He’s quick, and he does what we ask of him. He’s always in the right spot, and he knows where we wants the ball to go. And he’s a pretty darn good shooter,” Gade said. “That part’s pretty obvious.”

White and fellow 1,000-point scorer Tyson Belitz have teamed up to lead the Warriors to a 6-0 record going into the Christmas break. The duo, along with fellow senior Alex Kerkman, give the Warriors three double-digit scorers. As a team, Neligh-Oakdale is averaging an incredible 66 points per game. 

​White currently sits at 1,202 points. It’s reasonable to think it’ll take one very special player to break his record.