Currently ranked number one in the state, the Wildcat boys basketball team has been one of the most noticed high school teams in Arkansas this year. With a record of 7-1 in conference and an overall record of 20-2, the team is anticipated to win the majority of their remaining games. One source that has brought the boys the bulk of their attention is their involvement on social media with Triston Davis, also known as “Dreamchaser.”
Davis has done sports media with several schools around northwest Arkansas including the University of Arkansas. On December 19, 2023 he announced his 3 episode documentary series called “Westdale, a race for a state title” featuring our men’s basketball team.
“I wanted to make the documentary because telling a story was always a passion of mine and filming sports was something that I became good at,” Davis said. “I found a way to combine both, by telling athletes stories in a way that people would want to watch.”
With this documentary, Davis wanted to bring insight on the behind the scenes and the team’s ups and downs.The trailer of the first episode will came out Jan. 25 and the release of the first episode dropped on Jan. 26. Davis’s past work has only contained action videos and pictures of athletes, so this will be his first time sharing interviews and unseen content before and after games.
“He introduced himself and asked if it would be okay and I told him as long as it’s done right and there is nothing that is disrespectful, why not?” head coach Tommy Deffebaugh said. “This is the first time I’ve had someone make a documentary on one of my teams, but my take on it is any time we can get more exposure for our team and our guys I think it’s a good thing!”
Deffebaugh has over 30 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, and has been head coach for the Wildcats varsity boys team for the past 5 years. Although this is something new for Deffebaugh, Davis mentions how he has been very supportive and open to the idea.
“It’s been amazing working with the coaches and players,” Deffebaugh said. ” I’ve had a closer bond with some of the players previous to me starting this project, but meeting Coach Deffebaugh was important and it’s been great that he’s been super supportive and helpful throughout this process.”
Not only have coaches been supportive of this new opportunity, but the players are also eager and looking forward to the outcome of the documentary.
“It feels good to be a part of a documentary, it means you’re doing something right and people wanna capture your success,” junior Courtland Muldrew said. “It’s an honor to be part of such a great team and a lot of people feel like we are doing something special.”
This year there has been a significant increase in the amount of fans showing up to support the team. The arena has been packed at the majority of games, and with the help of Blue Crew, the student section has been showing out as well. The community has seen the talent on the court and with this documentary, more eyes will be drawn to the team pursuing a state title. According to Davis, the process of making these episodes is incredibly long.
“First I have to shoot the games, then edit, and set times for interviews which can be tricky due to changes in schedules,” Davis said.
Although making a schedule that fits into everyone’s life is challenging, Davis has used his creative skills to manage complicated scenarios. Caesar Batres, who also does media personnel, has stepped in and helped Davis with these issues.
“Thankfully I’ve had the help of my friend, Ceasar Batres, to make this documentary possible,” Davis said.
According to Davis, weeks of preparation, filming, and editing has gone into this project in high hopes of inspiring other athletes and shining a light on this talented group of young men. The highly anticipated documentary releases later this month and will be updated each week with another episode.
“I want people to know that we’re a fun group of guys having a good time with each other in the right way,” Deffebaugh said, “but when it’s time to focus up, we can be a fun team to watch on and off the court.”