Player Spotlight – Haley Wiskur

<span style="font-size: 12pt">Toughness, perseverance, and hard work are just of the few catchphrases that you will see, hear, or read about in the realm of sports. Hell, Jay Bilas wrote one of the most popular basketball related books of recent memory, and it was titled, "Toughness." The reality of the situation is that toughness is, more often than not, the by-product of some unfortunate life-altering event. Not to be cliche, but when the going gets tough, the tough keep going, which is precisely what Haley Wiskur has done and will continue to do.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">Here's what most people know about Haley Wiskur, who is now a senior at Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, Missouri. This 5'11 forward, who is committed to Division II Rockhurst University, is one of the top players here in the Show-Me State. And considering her accolades and awards, it's not hard to see why.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">In 2016, when Haley was an eighth-grader, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, which impacts only about three percent of adolescents. In and of itself, scoliosis is a relatively treatable condition, and in many cases, there is no treatment necessary. However, if the curvature continues to worsen, a back brace is needed, and in severe cases, surgery.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">Now take a look at this x-ray, and let's talk about a few things most people DON'T know about Haley Wiskur.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt"></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">On March 16th, 2018, towards the end of Haley's sophomore year, she underwent spinal surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis to correct her severe case of scoliosis. Twenty-six screws and two metal rods were inserted into her back during a grueling six-hour surgery. Following the surgery, Haley was told it would be at least six months before she could begin to even think about playing sports again. When asked about her mentality after the surgery, Haley said, "Not playing basketball again was my biggest fear. Basketball is my passion, and I knew that with a positive attitude and some serious determination, I would be back on that court again with my teammates."</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">After four and a half months of grueling rehab, Haley's doctors released her for all sports-related activities. "Through all the pain and the worst of days, I just kept pushing on.  I refused to lay around and feel sorry for myself," said Wiskur. Following her surgery, during her junior season, Wiskur tallied almost 400 points and 100+ rebounds. She was also an Independent All-Conference, All-District, and WK All-Star selection.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">"So many people suffer daily, and I am so blessed to be still able to do the things that I love.  My family, friends, teammates, and coaches were there for me every day. I am honored to have them all rooting for me.  Today, I am pain-free and looking forward to a great senior season!" said Wiskur.</span> <span style="font-size: 12pt">One of the many ways that Jay Bilas describes toughness is "showing strength through body language." If there is one person who personifies this idea, it is Haley Wiskur. For the last four years, she has continuously faced and overcame obstacle after obstacle, and that is real toughness. If you have an opportunity this winter, head out to a Sedalia Smith-Cotton girls basketball game and watch this young lady compete, you won't be disappointed.</span> &nbsp;