Dressed for Success: McKenzie Team Turns New Threads Into Wins

The McKenzie community’s generosity paid off in a big way this season, as local donations helped outfit the McKenzie School middle school basketball team with new uniforms, equipment and a renewed sense of pride – culminating in a dominant 16-1 season.

Funds raised through a recent uniform drive organized by Emily Vailes provided the team with 16 custom reversible jerseys, designed with both style and symbolism in mind. The uniforms feature an American flag and the McKenzie School logo – an eagle encircled by trees and the McKenzie River – reflecting the team’s connection to its community. The team wears forest green on the road and white at home.

Once donations were secured, players were quickly fitted for their uniforms and even had the opportunity to choose their own jersey numbers, adding a personal touch to the experience.

In addition to game uniforms, the team received black long-sleeve warm-up shirts emblazoned with “McKenzie Basketball” on the front and individual player numbers on the back. The fundraising effort also covered the purchase of four new basketballs, including two high-quality game balls typically priced at over $100 each.

The arrival of the new gear sparked excitement among the players.

“Their reactions were priceless,” said head coach Allen Acevedo. “There were a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs.’ They were so excited they kept asking to wear their new jerseys to practice before the first game.”

That enthusiasm carried onto the court. Coach Acevedo said the team focused on enjoying the game while building positive support for one another throughout the season’s 14-game schedule leading into the end-of-season tournament.

The approach paid off. After an early-season loss, the team rallied to finish 16-1 overall, averaging an impressive 51.7 points per game while holding opponents to 38.3.

Leading the charge was standout player Ryder Vailes, who averaged 20.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game – earning a rare double-double average for the season. According to Acevedo, Vailes is the first McKenzie middle school player in 13 years to reach that milestone.

Acevedo, a McKenzie resident of 13 years, has coached middle school basketball, football and track and field for the past two and a half years. He credits former athletic director Fred Heins for giving him the opportunity.

“What came after has been truly amazing,” Acevedo said. “I’ve built an inseparable bond with these young men.”

That bond has translated into success across multiple sports, with the group capturing championships in basketball, football and track and field over the past two years.

“I feel very fortunate to coach such a wonderful group of young men,” Acevedo said. “All I can hope for is another opportunity to do the same for them at the high school level.”

For the McKenzie team, the season was about more than wins and losses – it was a reflection of what can happen when a community rallies behind its youth.