GETTING IT RIGHT

History Made in Virginia

By Brad Tittrington

In the year that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX, it was only appropriate for four Virginia referees to make some history of their own.

On March 10, Chelisa Painter, Danyelle Smith, Monnazjea FinneySmith and Derricka Henry (alternate) made history, believed to be the first all-female crew to work a high school boys’ state championship game in the nation. The historic occasion took place at Virginia Commonwealth University as Cave Spring beat Petersburg, 76-75.

All four women have long lines of basketball experience, as all played collegiately and two played professionally. As for officiating, the four have more than 20 years of experience, including one working NBA G League games, one being observed by the NBA and one working collegiately in the MEAC.

The momentous occasion had been in the works for a couple of years as NBA referee Tony Brothers, who also serves as commissioner of the Virginia Basketball Officials Association, worked to pull it all together. However, with the pandemic, the occasion had to wait. When the opportunity arose this year, the four officials found themselves in the spotlight.

“When I found out women were going to work the boys’ state tournament, I was taken aback,” Henry said. “I was excited to be a part of the crew and a part of history because not everybody gets that call. You can’t make history twice. It was done once and I was happy to be a part of it with these lovely ladies.”

The four officials had to put history aside for a little bit as they had a game to officiate. While they took in the moment before and after the game to reflect on their accomplishment, once the ball went up, it was just another game.

“Getting to the gym up until tip-off, it was just nervousness, excitement,” Finney-Smith said. “Just wanting to do well. Once the ball went up, everything went out. We just stayed focused and enjoyed the moment, enjoyed the entire process.”

For Painter, being on the court helped ease the nerves of the moment.

“I always forget the element we are women working a boys’ game,” she said. “It is just a normal game, at least for me. I don’t want to take away from our accomplishment or anything like that, but we definitely attacked the game just like an official. I would do it again and again and again.”

Painter stated it would be easy to be fearful with 7,000 people in the stands, and none of them cheering for the officials. But she said, “You faced your fears being triumphant through unknown adversity. It is definitely something we will never forget.”

And the impact of helping to break through the barriers by being the first to do something is not lost on them.

“For us as females to go out there and show them that it still can be done, it will inspire the next generation that will come,” Smith said. “I see it growing once the numbers start to increase. And beyond basketball, hopefully we can grow on other levels. Get more women into professional officiating and overseas. There’s a place for women in sports.” Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee magazine. 

From left: Virginia referees Chelisa Painter, Danyelle Smith, Derricka Henry and Monnazjea Finney-Smith made history on March 10 when they are believed to be the first all-female crew to work a boys’ state championship basketball game. Ingish Earns Kohl Award

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation selects 100 teachers every year from the state of Wisconsin for its prestigious Teacher Fellowship Awards. In April, Waterford Union High School teacher Ashley Ingish was honored and received a $6,000 grant.

Ingish is not only a physical and health education teacher at the high school, she also serves as the girls’ volleyball coach. She was honored, however, for her initiative to write the curriculum for and implement a sports officiating class for students at the school. Once students complete her class, they are certified to officiate high school athletic contests in multiple sports. In the program’s first year, more than 70 students enrolled in the course and earned certifications, and the program has become a model for other schools.

“Ashley exemplifies what it means to be a great teacher,” Waterford Union High School Superintendent Lucas Francois told the Waterford Post. “She cares deeply about her students and provides them with incredible learning opportunities every day.”

SOURCE: MYRACINECOUNTY.COM

Ballard’s Busy Day

March 9, 2022, will always be a special day for Edmond, Okla., basketball referee Kamron Ballard. He was scheduled to work the Oklahoma state basketball tournament for the first time. However, it was what was happening off the court that made this day more special.

Ballard’s wife, Elisabeth, was at the hospital, expecting the arrival of their third child (Easton) when Ballard left to work his first tournament game. As soon as that game finished, Ballard received a text from his wife letting him know it was time for the baby to arrive.

“I rushed to the hospital as quick as possible,” Ballard told KFOR-TV. “I had about 20 minutes to spare.”

After the arrival of Easton, and once everyone was settled, Ballard returned to State Fair Arena to work the second game of the tournament.

SOURCE: KFOR-TV (OKLAHOMA CITY)

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