Joy Gines, Levi Gines, and Lee Gines make up three generations of leadership and excellence on and off the basketball court in Tabiona. Duchesne County School District Wellness Advisor Halee Ficklin is helping share their amazing story: Tabiona High School recently celebrated a 1A Girls Basketball State Championship, finishing the season with an impressive 24–2 record. Leading the team was Joy Gines, who was selected by 1A coaches as the 1A Player of the Year. She averaged 11 points per game, made 53 three-pointers, and delivered multiple clutch performances throughout the season—including a 60-foot buzzer beater in the semifinal game. Her leadership, team-first mindset, and ability to make big plays were key to Tabiona’s championship run. What makes this story especially unique is the generational legacy behind it. Joy’s father, Levi Gines, was named the 1A Most Valuable Player (MVP) for boys’ basketball in Utah for the 1998–99 season by the Deseret News. Key highlights from Levi’s season: [he] averaged 21.8 points per game, set a state record with 102 three-pointers, and led his team to the 1A state championship game before continuing his career at Westminster College. Adding even more to this legacy, Levi’s father, Lee Gines, reached an incredible milestone this year—his 600th career win, all at the same high school. Coaching at one of the smallest schools in Utah, his long-term dedication and impact on generations of athletes and the community make this story even more meaningful. Congratulations to the Gines family and thank you for representing excellence in the Uintah Basin!
