Cousins Defy Norms: Speiser & Whites Shine at States

As the bright lights of the state basketball tournaments illuminate Missouri’s hardwood courts, an inspiring tale of grit, determination, and unbreakable family bonds unfolds. At the heart of this narrative lies a trio of exceptional cousins, each carving their own path to greatness while defying conventional norms.

Jordan Speiser, a 6-foot-1-inch junior at Lutheran St. Charles, has been a driving force behind her team’s remarkable journey to the Class 5 girls’ final four for the second consecutive year. With an average of 23.4 points per game and 14 double-doubles under her belt, Speiser’s dominance on the court is undeniable. Her unwavering spirit and unyielding competitiveness were forged in the fiery crucible of family battles, where she refused to back down, even against her taller and more physically imposing cousins.

Enter Jamison White and Jahadi White Jr., the dynamic duo from Chaminade, who have propelled their team to the Class 6 boys’ semifinal. Boasting a formidable frontcourt presence with their towering heights of 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8 respectively, the White brothers have been instrumental in Chaminade’s seventh final four appearance since 2015.

The bond between these three cousins transcends the bounds of mere kinship; it’s a brotherhood forged on the hardwood, where tough love and unwavering support have been the catalysts for their collective growth. From the earliest days of 2-on-2 family battles to the present, they have pushed each other to their limits, never shying away from the occasional scuffle or altercation – a testament to the fiery passion that burns within them.

“They both made me a better player,” Jordan Speiser acknowledges, reflecting on the invaluable lessons imparted by her cousins. It was a reciprocal exchange, as Jamison and Jahadi White Jr. honed their skills against the tenacious Speiser, who refused to yield an inch, even in the face of their imposing statures.

The families’ unwavering support for one another extends far beyond the court, with relatives making it a priority to attend each other’s games whenever possible. This unbreakable bond is further strengthened by the guidance of Jahadi White Sr., a former Cardinal Ritter standout and eight-season NBA veteran, who has imparted his wealth of knowledge and experience to the aspiring athletes.

As the state tournaments unfold, the Speiser and White families find themselves united in their pursuit of glory, each member playing a pivotal role in shaping the destinies of these remarkable student-athletes. Whether it’s Jordan Speiser’s relentless pursuit of excellence on the hardwood or the White brothers’ dominant interior presence, one thing is certain: these cousins are defying norms and etching their names in the annals of Missouri high school basketball history.

In a world where family ties are often strained by the demands of modern life, the Speiser and White families stand as a beacon of hope, a reminder that the bonds of kinship can transcend any adversity when nurtured with love, support, and an unwavering commitment to one another’s dreams.

As the final buzzers sound and the dust settles on the court, one thing is certain: these cousins have already emerged as champions, not only in the arena of sports but in the greater game of life itself.