Coaches in every sport demand it, and players strive to give their best efforts by doing things right. 

And with the Vian girls and boys teams, including this year’s basketball squads, there’s a family tradition resulting in the Wolverines doing things the “Wright Way” as four first cousins proudly wear the purple and gold while carrying on their family’s tradition of success.

For the girls, sophomore forward Avery Wright and junior guard Skyelar Locust are part of the family foursome, along with their male cousins, senior guard DeSean Mays and freshman forward Masyn Wright. 

All four are multi-sport athletes at Vian High School.

As much as they are alike, the four are uniquely different. 

Avery and Skyelar will always choose anything pasta as their favorite meal, while “Seany” (Mays) wants a big order of fried rice and “May-May” (Masyn) wants to destroy a big steak dinner.  

The musical tastes of the quartet are similar, yet specific, when naming their favorite artists. “Smiley” (Avery) brings up SZA at the same time that “Sky” (Locust) prefers Rod Wave. Topping the choice of beats for Masyn is Lil Baby, while DeSean selects Juice World.

The foursome all share the love and support of family on and off the court. 

“During our games, I can always hear DeSean and Masyn’s voices louder than anyone else,” Avery admits. “During their games, we’re on the front row jumping up and down cheering for our cousins and the rest of the guys.” 

Skyelar isn’t afraid to share her thoughts on how the boys are playing. 

“I let them know when they do good or if they need to pick it up,” Skyelar said. 

The guys, whose personalities are totally different, want the best for the girls but keep to themselves while playing. 

“I try to block everything out except for coach Mays,” said the youngest Wright, whose reserved yet competitive nature is ever present. 

“Skye talks all the time,” said DeSean, who will take his athletic talents to the next level with plans to play football at Harding University. “The girls…we want them to win and that they know what’s going on during our games, but I don’t hear them cause I know they’ll call me out.”

Above all, the four members of the same team are proud to own their family name. They cherish the impact of family in their daily lives.  

“My mom and dad are my biggest fans. They’re always there cheering for all four of us,” said Avery. 

“My Papaw is my biggest influence,” said Skyelar, recalling that Gary Wright is part of the winning ways at Vian. 

“Nana is my number one,” said Masyn, naming his grandmother’s everyday impact to his life. 

“Definitely Nana (Deborah),” said DeSean in a loud yet respectful voice. “She keeps challenging me to be better tomorrow than I am today.”

Performance at a championship level is another part of the Wright family DNA.

“We all know that we have to do our best or face the possibility of facing a trip to Camp Kenny,” said Avery, referring to an early morning workout assignment from a “loving” family member to get our mind and body ready to play better the next time. 

“Losing isn’t part of our family’s vocabulary,” said Skyelar, who calls herself the little big cousin. 

And the guys both agree. 

“We hold ourselves and each other accountable and that sometimes means setting each other straight,” DeSean said, while pointing to himself. “There’s something more than just being a good athlete if you’re part of the Wright family. The tradition and legacy requires doing your best in everything you do, on the court and in the classroom, and anywhere else we go.”

Separately, yet almost in a voice of unison, Avery, Skyelar, DeSean and Masyn agree to the importance of holding yourself accountable for your actions, first and always and everyday looking for the opportunity to help those around them find happiness and success. 

Or as they say it…it’s the “Wright Way.”