Leadership and appreciation define Spencer Gist’s approach as he enters his senior season with the Spiro High School basketball program. Asked about what he wants most from his final year, Gist said, “Be a good team leader and enjoy my last season at Spiro,” a mindset that has shaped how he carries himself on and off the court.
The season has not been without challenges, but the group’s attitude has remained steady. “It’s been good. We have had ups and downs, but everyone keeps working hard,” Gist said of the team’s morale. That persistence has led to noticeable growth. “Learning to work together as a team,” he said when describing the biggest improvement he has seen so far.
Progress, not perfection, has been the focus for Spiro this year. “To improve each game. We just keep working and stick together,” Gist said of the team’s goals and how they plan to reach them. He believes the foundation is already there. “We have a lot of talent and a desire to win,” he said.
Gist plays the forward position and prides himself on making smart reads. “I look for the gaps to drive and try to find the open man. I look for a size advantages so I can post up,” he said. His preparation reflects that same attention to detail. “I work out most days after practice lifting weights. I try to get as many extra shots up as I can,” Gist said.
When he steps on the court, his mindset is simple and consistent. “Play my best and win. No matter what, give the most effort I can,” he said. That approach ties directly into how he hopes to be remembered. “I was a good teammate. I always cared for my teammates, and I cared about doing what was best for the team,” Gist said.
There is still more to come from this group, according to Gist. “We haven’t played our best basketball yet and we are still improving and figuring things out so that we are ready at the end,” he said.
One moment already stands above the rest for the senior. “Being coached my father,” Gist said of his favorite memory in a Spiro uniform.
Gist is a senior who stands 6-foot-7. Looking ahead, his plans are focused on continuing his education in college.
