Miami’s Lane Walther
By Bryce McKinnis
Basketball, Miami High School sophomore Lane Walther said, is “unlike any other sport.”
“The things I love about basketball is that it requires me to compete at the highest levels of competition and athleticism,” Walther said. “It requires elite speed and agility.”
A natural competitor, Walther was introduced to the game at a young age by his father and fell in love instantly. He led the Wardogs in scoring as a freshman and helped MHS to its best finish in a decade. On the track, he also qualified for state in the 1600m and 3200m relays.
“Basketball has taught me patience and that it requires a lot of extra work to be at the top,” Walther said. “My biggest accomplishment was probably beating Grove at home, because it was a big game, and we had not beaten them in a long time.”
Growing up in Miami, Oklahoma is a unique experience. It’s a tight-knit community that offers its benefits and challenges alike.
“The greatest challenge I have faced is probably living in a small town and limited opportunities when it comes to getting better,” Walther said. “But my parents have given me opportunities to improve and play against really good players all over the state and region. These opportunities I’m thankful for and would not have them if not for the support they have given me.”
But that challenge is one Walther approaches eagerly. If he’s going to play small-town basketball, Walther wants his small town to be the best.
“You get to experience small-town life and a community that’s close. In a big city, it’s a lot different,” Walther said. “It means everything to be a Wardog to me. Since I was a little kid, I have always dreamed of playing for Miami and having a winning team for the town.”
Walter aspires to follow-up Miami’s winning season with an even better one this year.
“I hope to make the state tournament the next three years, win the conference every year and bring home a state championship,” Walther said.
After high school, Walther plans to continue his basketball career in college and receive a finance degree to work in banking.
