Basketball
Natasha Howard: Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Athletes in Toledo
Natasha Howard, a WNBA star currently playing for the Dallas Wings, has not only left an indelible mark on the basketball court but has also become an inspiration for young female athletes in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio. With an impressive list of accolades and a remarkable journey from Waite High School to becoming a three-time WNBA champion, Howard’s story embodies the determination, skill, and resilience that young athletes aspire to.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born and raised in Toledo, Natasha Howard’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. She attended Waite High School, where she quickly established herself as a standout player for the Lady Indians. Her dedication to improving her skills and her natural athleticism set her on a path to greatness. Howard’s high school years laid the foundation for her future success, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Toledo and beyond.
WNBA Triumphs
Natasha Howard’s journey from Waite High School to the WNBA is a testament to her hard work and unwavering determination. As of August 7th, her current team, the Dallas Wings, holds a respectable 4th place in the standings, thanks in part to Howard’s contributions on and off the court.

Her impressive professional career includes being a three-time WNBA champion, clinching titles in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Howard’s ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to her team’s success has solidified her reputation as one of the league’s most formidable players.
Awards and Recognition
Howard’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by her peers and experts in the basketball world. She has earned accolades such as being named a two-time WNBA All-Star in 2019 and 2022. Her exceptional defensive skills led to her being honored as the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, showcasing her versatility on both ends of the court.
In addition, Howard’s inclusion in the All-WNBA First Team in 2019 and being selected for the WNBA All-Defensive First Team in both 2018 and 2019 underline her consistency as an elite player. Her achievements serve as a source of inspiration for young female athletes aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
Impact on Toledo’s Youth
Natasha Howard’s success transcends the basketball court, resonating deeply with young female athletes in Toledo. Her journey from local high school standout to WNBA champion serves as a source of motivation for those who dream of achieving greatness. Howard’s story demonstrates that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of one’s background.

Conclusion
Natasha Howard’s journey from growing up in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a WNBA star is a narrative of determination, talent, and triumph. Her success on the basketball court is matched by her role as an inspiration for young female athletes in Toledo and beyond. As the Dallas Wings continue to compete, Howard’s legacy as a three-time champion, All-Star, and Defensive Player of the Year will undoubtedly motivate generations of aspiring athletes to chase their dreams and never give up on their goals.
Basketball
BriAnna Garza – Shooting Coach & Mentor | Ep 55 – Play by Play |
On this episode of Play by Play with Jesse Coleman, Jesse sits down with shooting coach and trainer Briana Garza to talk about her incredible journey in the basketball world. Briana shares how she built her organization from the ground up, traveling across the country to work with youth and adult athletes while helping players elevate their shooting and confidence on the court.
The conversation also dives into innovation and the future of basketball development as Briana discusses her new AI shooting app designed to help shooters, coaches, and parents better understand mechanics, track progress, and improve performance through technology. From entrepreneurship and coaching to the evolution of player development, this is an inspiring episode for athletes, trainers, and basketball fans alike.
http://Fixyourjumpshot.com
Basketball
Episode 54 | Chris Darrington – From Scott Bulldog to Glass City Wrangler
In this episode of *Play by Play with Jesse Coleman*, we sit down with Toledo native and rising pro hooper Chris Darrington for an in-depth conversation about his basketball journey.
Chris takes us back to where it all started—his early love for the game and his standout days at Scott High School, where he began making a name for himself. From there, he opens up about the grind of junior college basketball, the transition to Division I, and the lessons learned at every level of competition.
Now playing professionally with the Glass City Wranglers, Chris shares what it means to represent his city, the mindset it takes to succeed as a pro, and what’s next in his career.
This is a story of perseverance, growth, and staying locked in on the dream.
🎙️ Join the conversation and stay connected—visit us online at **WLshow.com**.
Basketball
Homegrown Hoops: Wranglers Rise Behind Darrington and Pratt
The Glass City Wranglers are making an early statement to open the 2026 season, jumping out to a strong 4–2 start behind the dynamic play of two of Toledo’s own—Chris Darrington and Devonte Pratt.
This isn’t just a good start—it’s a tone-setter.
Homegrown Leadership Setting the Pace
Chris Darrington, a proud alum of Scott High School, has emerged as one of the most dominant scorers in the league. Averaging 31.0 points per game, Darrington has been nearly unstoppable offensively. Whether it’s attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or creating his own look late in the shot clock, he’s been the engine behind the Wranglers’ success.

But his impact goes beyond scoring. Darrington is also contributing 4.3 assists per game, showing his ability to facilitate and make teammates better, along with 3.3 rebounds, proving he’s willing to do the little things to win.
Right alongside him is Devonte Pratt, a product of Rogers High School, who has been just as vital to the Wranglers’ early-season surge. Pratt is averaging 25.3 points per game, giving the team a powerful one-two punch offensively. His versatility stands out—he’s not just scoring, but also contributing 3.0 assists and pulling down 5.3 rebounds per game, showing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

A Dangerous Duo
Together, Darrington and Pratt form one of the most explosive backcourts in the league. Their chemistry, combined with their shared Toledo roots, brings a unique energy to the team. There’s a level of pride and purpose when local talent shines at a high level—and the Wranglers are feeding off that.
Defenses are already struggling to contain both players. Focus too much on Darrington, and Pratt makes you pay. Shift attention to Pratt, and Darrington takes over. It’s a pick-your-poison situation that has fueled the Wranglers’ 4–2 start.
Building Momentum
At 4–2, the Wranglers are not just winning—they’re building identity. A team led by scorers who can also distribute, rebound, and lead brings balance that translates to consistency. If this duo continues at this pace, Glass City won’t just be competitive—they’ll be contenders.
More importantly, this run is resonating with the Toledo basketball community. Seeing former standouts from Scott and Rogers leading the charge is a reminder of the talent the city continues to produce.
What’s Next
The question now isn’t whether the Wranglers can compete—it’s how far they can go. If Darrington continues his scoring dominance and Pratt maintains his all-around production, this team has the potential to make a deep run in 2026.
One thing is certain:
The Glass City Wranglers are off to a strong start—and they’re doing it with Toledo toughness, Toledo pride, and two stars leading the way.
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