NORTHWEST REGIONALS: Tears can’t erase memories of Greens

HANCEVILLE — Chad Green looked over to his right and put a consoling hand on his daughter’s shoulder.

Dacota Green had been crying. More tears were on the way.

The day ended up being emotional — and with good reason. It marked the end of Dacota’s tenure as a Belgreen player. It was her last game playing for her father.

“She’s been my ride-ordie for a long time,” the elder Green said with a smile after the 57-34 loss to Decatur Heritage in the Class 2A Northwest Regional semifinals. “She was my little manager when we came down here (to Hanceville) years ago.

“The TimesDaily had pictures of her when we got beat in overtime and she was hiding her face in the back of one girl’s head. She’s not only my daughter, but she’s been my little girl for a long time.”

And naturally, there was plenty of bonding time that revolved around basketball.

Dacota graduated from her managerial duties to being pulled up to varsity by the end of her seventhgrade season. She was a full-time varsity player the next year and never left the lineup from that point on.

“I’ve enjoyed the sport,” Dacota said, trying to fight back tears after the loss. “Been around it a whole lot and I guess, it means I’m ready for a new chapter.”

The chapter just ending, however, featured plenty of highlights.

The Bulldogs won five straight area titles. They captured back-to-back Franklin County championships. They made a regional final appearance last year.

Green often served as the offensive catalyst and leader on the court.

“She means a lot,” sophomore Lilliana Willingham said. “She’ll tell you what you need to do and what you’re doing wrong.”

Not a lot went right against Decatur Heritage.

Belgreen (24-9) turned the ball over 26 times. It had only one player score in double figures — Green with 14. Makenna Fisher finished with nine. Willingham eight.

“I heard a coach say years ago that wins mean a little more and the losses hurt a little bit more,” Chad said of coaching his daughter. “That may be true, but I’ve enjoyed it though. She’s been a joy to coach. She works hard in the weight room, works hard on the court. She loves the game.

“She’s going to come back and help me coach. Well, maybe I’ll help her coach.”

The last part elicited a smile from Dacota. Her dad, too.

“We’ve enjoyed our time together,” Chad said. “We’ve had a lot of good memories.”