When she graduated in 1991, not much was made of Patti (Wright) Roberts’ career point total. But as recent players have reached four figures, her career has been in the spotlight.
Roberts scored 1,953 points during her four-year career at Houston High School as the most prolific scorer in school history. She was recognized last Thursday night before the Lady Tigers’ game against Mountain Grove inside Hiett Gymnasium.
“I’m just glad they remember me,” Roberts said. “At the time, they didn’t really recognize me. It wasn’t a big deal –– like in recent years.”
Honoring Roberts was her former coach Brent Kell, who in his 29th season is still leading the girls’ basketball program.
He joked that Roberts had her own key to the gym –– she said she actually would often go borrow Kell’s key –– and praised her work ethic as a player.
Roberts said she liked Magic Johnson as a teenager but that her game more closely resembled her coach’s favorite player.
“I was more like a Larry Bird –– slow, couldn’t really jump but I worked hard and could pass and shoot,” Roberts said.
Roberts’ name came to the forefront this season as HHS senior Kylee Elmore eclipsed 1,000 points in her career. Roberts has followed Elmore’s career closely online.
“If I had known how big of a deal 2,000 points is and that I was that close, I might have shot the ball a few more times. I doubt I would have though, because I really just wanted our team to win,” Roberts said. “That’s what impresses me so much about Kylee Elmore. She plays for her team –– not to score her points, but to do whatever she can to help the team win. That’s what it’s all about.”
Roberts, who now teaches math at Richland High School, was accompanied last Thursday night by a large contingent of family members and fellow HHS graduates from the class of 1991. Many were wearing red T-shirts that displayed “All time leading scorer in the history of Houston basketball.”
Among the special guests were Steve and Carolyn Collins, who Roberts said treated her like a daughter when she was best friends with their daughter, Stephanie. Also present was the Motzkus family. Roberts said she learned to play basketball in their driveway with Leroy and Mike. She recalls absorbing what Leroy Motzkus Sr. taught his sons about shooting the ball.
Roberts’ biggest supporters were only there in spirit. Her older brother, Gale, passed away in August 2012. The same day she was honored by her alma mater, Roberts said goodbye to her mother, Doris, who passed away Jan. 31. Her services were held in Houston a few hours earlier.
“I wish my mom and Gale could have been able to see me be recognized,” Roberts said. “They were my biggest fans. Mom knew I was getting this plaque before she passed away and secretly saw to it that so many of my friends and family showed up.”
Following the public recognition, Roberts thought now her daughters, ages 14 and 11, might believe their mom had a decent career.
“I tried to tell them, ‘Believe me, I know how to shoot the basketball,” Roberts said. “Maybe after tonight they’ll believe me.”