Narch 3, 2007
By Cory J. Mageors, Staff Writer / Plano Star

PLANO - In my first full basketball season covering Plano I observed some of the most intriguing events.

The Plano West boys took down Mansfield Summit, which was ranked No. 3 in the state, en route to winning the Whataburger Tournament.

Plano East celebrated the life and legacy of former coach Steve Adair.

And

one of Kenyon Martin’s former coaches is assisting quite possibly the nicest woman in girls basketball, Lynn Meger at Plano.

Though the action on the court brought together hoards of adorning Planoites each Tuesday and Friday night, and sometimes Thursday and Saturday during tournament season, those very fans provided one of the most entertaining parts of each evening for me and my editor Kevin Hageland.

Student section after student section never ceased to amaze as the chants became more clever each week.

Could we rank these chants?

Of course.

Would the rankings get scrutinized like the BCS?

Definitely.

Will that stop me from doing so?

Absolutely not.

“He’s a Freshman.”

One of my favorite chants of the year came from the West side where freshman phenom Jackson Jeffcoat dominated the boards.

Every time the 6-foot-5, 240-pound freshman would grab a rebound or slam one home, the West crowd would let the opponent know that they would see more of him down the road, in this chant that was followed by synchronized clapping.

“Plano! Plano! East! East!”

Now as a member of the media, I am supposed to keep things neutral. I can’t become a fan, but this classic use of repetition is priceless.

This chant became a staple at the Star Courier Sports Desk. Whenever Kevin said he was going to the East side, he would actually chant it.

It’s so good in fact that West created their own version. I’ll let you figure out how it goes, but some Panther Alums are claiming sacrilege.

“Just like football.”

This one digs a little deep. It’s kind of like when New England won their first Super Bowl and the fans started chanting “Yankees suck!”

Football is a big badge of honor in this region and a win against your inner-city rival gives you a leg up throughout the year.

The first time I heard this chant was at East, but I heard every school use it at one point.

The Wildcats faithful brought it out against Berkner, who eventually got them back in the playoffs.

“Oompa-Loompa.”

Kevin and I just want to let the entire world know how much we despise this chant.

Everywhere West point guard Darrell Marshall went, he heard fans in synch on this one.

Sure the kid is listed at five-foot-seven, and is probably shorter than that, but he’s got some lightning quick skills and isn’t orange with green hair.

Then again he usually doesn’t worry about that chant. He either pulls up and knocks down a three or flashes his “stop-and-show’em” move and that tends to quiet the crowd.

“West student section = seven people.”

During a West game at Berkner, the Rams fans decided to utilize some of their Algebra II skills from second period. While their student section was overflowing with kids, the Wolves fans weren’t as numerous and the Rams faithful tried to take advantage.

Using a dry erase board, the Berkner students wrote this little equation to throw a curveball at West.

It might not have been that funny, but the Wolves student section began looking around and counting heads. Then they started to recruit students who were sitting with their families.

“Plano: No Direction Needed.”

This may not have been a chant, but it is one of the best shirts seen all season. A not-to-subtle dig at East and West that is very effective. Cheerleaders could have made one of their big paper signs with this slogan, and people would be asking for bumper stickers!

I’m actually surprised that a bumper sticker maker hasn’t jumped all over this one.

And that shirt brings to light the droning chant of the Wildcats.

“PLANO.”

If you are in the Wildcats gymnasium, and you hear the fans stretching this word out in unison; it’s more than likely the opponent has called timeout because John Roberson just hit a three-pointer to gain the lead.

This is a traditional chant that can crack the best of them when used properly.

Kind of like when Nebraska was losing to Oklahoma a few years back and Eric Crouch had a towel wrapped around his head so he couldn’t hear “BOOMER” from one side of the stadium and “SOONER” from the other.

Though my mind was on the game, these students provided an excellent backdrop for my first full basketball season. Just wanted to say thanks for a great year and I look forward to next season.

Honorable Mention

  “State Champs”-Plano

  “D-UP”-East girls bench

  “He’s not in the NBA yet”-Jeff Higgins Allen head coach in reference to Roberson.