01/06/2026
One of the best things about this tournament is significance we place on history. And why not start it with the first group to ever hoist the trophy at the Mid America Classic?
In 1976, the very first Bertha Frank Teague Mid America Classic tipped off, and from the opening game it was clear that history was being written by a special group of young women: the Byng Lady Pirates.
This was no ordinary team. The Lady Pirates entered that inaugural tournament riding the momentum of back-to-back state championships — a 1975 title over the Checotah Lady Wildcats and a 1976 crown against the Lindsay Leopardettes. They arrived not just as champions, but as the standard.
And once the tournament began, they left no doubt.
In round one, Byng overwhelmed Vernon, Texas, 65–38.
In the semifinals, they rolled past Choctaw, 63–39.
And in the championship game, on the biggest stage, they defeated Ada 65–48 to claim the first Bertha Frank Teague Mid America Classic title.
Perhaps most remarkable of all — from a 15-player roster, eight players went on to compete on college basketball scholarships. That alone speaks volumes about the talent, discipline, and foundation built by this team.
Joining us tonight are members of that historic squad:
LaDawn Whitlock – University of Oklahoma
Karen Parnacher – Oklahoma Baptist University
Beth Trammell – Murray State College
Teresa Driver – Murray State College
Jeana Myers – East Central University
Latona Shico
Patti Manahan
Karrollton McDonald
Ella Evans
Lisa Neely
Jennifer Murray
We were also honored to welcome their assistant coach, Earlene McDonald and wife of the Late Burl Plunkett, Juniva Plunkett, whose leadership helped guide a team that would forever be remembered.
Thanks again to “Plunkett’s Pirates” on joining us and setting the standard. We had ladies from as far as Jacksonville, Florida to join us for the occasion! The group that started it all, the 1976 Byng Lady Pirates, the 1st Annual Bertha Frank Teague Mid America Classic Champions!