The Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen honored the White County High School Warriorettes basketball team and Head Coach Michael Dodgen on Thursday following a state runner-up finish.
Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery presented a proclamation to the team to celebrate their record-breaking thirty-four wins and their first state tournament victory in thirty years. Lowery also recognized the senior class for becoming the winningest group in the history of the program with one hundred nineteen career victories.
“Everything that’s been built upon is a foundation and every other team behind you gets to build on that,” Lowery said. “So you have set a great standard for the future generations and it’s much appreciated.”
Lowery said he proclaimed March 19, 2026, as White County High School Warriorette Day and Coach Michael Dodgen Day in Sparta.
Lowery said the team earned the title of Region 4A Champions and Sub-State Champions before finishing as the TSSAA Class 3A state runner-up. Lowery said senior athletes Gracie Clark, Lakeland Grasty, and Bella Winningham achieved the milestone of scoring over one thousand career points.
“And it’s interesting, you also, it’s a blessing to be in this community because Coach Dodgen knows as well that this community follows our sports well, and a lot of communities don’t do that,” Lowery said.
Lowery said he presented Dodgen with a key to the city to symbolize trust, gratitude, and appreciation.
“Beyond wins and championships, Coach Dodgen has instilled the values of discipline, teamwork, and character, and perseverance that have shaped the lives of his players and strengthened the White County community,” Lowery said.
Lowery said Dodgen has built one of the most successful basketball programs in school history during his eleven-year tenure at White County High School. Lowery said Dodgen is being inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee Hall of Fame this month in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the game.
“A great group of student-athletes and students and much appreciated what you all have done for the community,” Lowery said. “We love you, proud of you, and we’ll just continue to, and I know we’re going to watch some of you all’s careers continue to go forward.”
Lowery provided copies of the proclamation to the coach to distribute to the senior athletes.