Stephens County Basketball Guide by Cable Printing

Basketball Guide STEPHENS COUNTY

STEPHENS COUNTY ATHLETES

HITTING THE HARDWOOD

2023-2024

A PUBLICATION OF THE DUNCAN BANNER

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Michael P. Sullivan Kent P. Sullivan

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

Good Luck to all Area Athletes!

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FIND YOUR

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The Marlow Outlaws and the Velma-Alma Comets compete in the championship round of the Stephens County Tournament last year. The Comets won the match and took home the Stephens County Tournament Trophy with a score of 58-55. This year’s Stephens County Tournament will take place in Comanche.

THE DUNCAN

THE MARLOW

DEMONS

OUTLAWS

20 THE COMANCHE

INDIANS

THE EMPIRE

BULLDOGS

38 THE VELMA-ALMA

COMETS

44 THE CENTRAL HIGH

BRONCHOS

50 THE BRAY-DOYLE

DONKEYS

PICTURED ON THE COVER:

Teams in Stephens County are ready to hit the hardwood for the upcoming 2023-2024 basketball campaign. WATCH

FOR BASKETBALL ACTION SHOTS

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE

PUBLISHER / AD DIRECTOR

a publication of

MANAGING EDITOR/

Crystal Childers

DESIGNER Charlene Belew

and

DUNCAN

MAGAZINE

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Sherrie McCormack

SALES / MARKETING Crystal Childers Jason Hodges Susan Provost STORIES / PHOTOS Charlene Belew Jason Hodges Andy Morphew Kelly Wray DISTRIBUTION Sherrie McCormack Mike McCormack

THE STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE purposes to promote Duncan and Stephens County area basketball teams. All content featured in this magazine was made available to The Banner staff as of press time. Any teams missing will appear in later editions of The Duncan Banner when information becomes available. Recaps of game play will also appear in The Duncan Banner newspaper. Photos are courtesy of Jason Hodges, Kelly Wray and The Banner’s photo archives. We welcome ideas and suggestions for future publications of this magazine. Contact either the editorial or advertising departments at 580-255-5354. If you are wishing to start or renew a subscription, contact the circulation department at 580-255-5354.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

FROM THE

EDITOR

MEET OUR

WELCOME TO OUR INAUGURAL COUNTY BASKETBALL MAGAZINE

every single one of our ou asked and we county athletes headed to delivered. the court the best of luck After a successful and wishes of a successful 104-page Grid Iron Guide, campaign this year. filled to the brim with player We hope this book will profiles, statistics and stories guide you through the about our county’s Grid winter months and that our Iron warriors to kick off the newspaper and website will Stephens County Football keep you up-to-date on the season, we heard a lot of latest basketball happenings feedback from the Stephens within our county. County community. I’d like to give a special One of the comments and CHARLENE BELEW shout out to our sports suggestions to stick with The department -- Kelly Wray and Andy Banner staff? The idea of this magazine Morphew -- for making this book possible. right here, ladies and gentlemen. Without their hard work and dedication to Thus, your Stephens County Basketball turning out the 14 stories you’re about to Guide was born. read, this project couldn’t have reached Birthed for the first time for the 2023completion. Their work, alongside Jason 2024 campaign, this book highlights Hodges, our account executive and each of the county’s 14 teams. It comes longstanding photographer, made this complete with rosters and schedules for each of our teams and is full of information book into everything it has to offer. You’ll about the athletes hitting the hardwood this likely see Wray, Morphew and Hodges courtside this season, working to cover our winter season. teams and photograph their outstanding While there are not as many stats (we moments to encapsulate it in history have them! We just didn’t have room) as we had hoped, we know that your support forever. Unfortunately, we can’t post every next year will make it so that we can grow photo taken, but you can find almost any basketball photo you want on the Hodges this project and build this book to become Photography Facebook page. Give him a just as good, and maybe as large, as our follow because his heart truly is in this for annual Grid Iron publication. the kids. Inside, you’ll find stories about each of Strap in and settle down, because it is the boys’ and girls’ teams. You’ll also find a complete history of each of the Stephens officially time to let our athletes play their hearts out and leave it all on the court. County Tournaments hosted right here at We’ve got a long season of basketball home and the teams who made it to the ahead of us and we can’t wait to see who finals and their ending scores. takes home this year’s county tournament The Banner staff looks forward to this trophy. basketball season and wishes each and

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

CHARLENE BELEW Charlene, also known in the community as Charlie, is the Managing Editor for The Duncan Banner and Duncan Magazine. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cameron University, where she also held multiple positions with The Cameron Collegian, which ended with her serving as the Managing Editor in 2014-2015. Charlie has served two tenures with The Banner. Her first began in 2014 with an internship through Oklahoma Press Association and culminated in 2017 as News Editor. Her second began in 2018 when she returned as a staff writer and she resumed her editorship in 2020. Although she has spent much of her life growing up in Lawton, Charlie has always felt a special call to the Duncan and Stephens County community. She adopted a dog from Stephens County Humane Society’s Take Out Tuesday program with The Banner in 2019 and also participates as a member of the Duncan Rotary Club. In 2021, Charlie led The Banner to the first Sequoyah Award from the Oklahoma Press Association since its last in 2012. She has taken home multiple awards for editorial writing and news writing, and most recently swept Oklahoma Press Association’s design competition for Semiand Tri-Weekly publications. She is due with her first child in January 2024.

CONTRIBUTORS

Duncan Magazine’s goal is to create a publication local to Stephens County that’s fun to read and view and created entirely by the hands of people you know. Here are the creators who use their time and talent to tell your stories.

CRYSTAL CHILDERS

TAMARA GREGOR

JASON HODGES

ANDY MORPHEW

KELLY WRAY

Crystal joined The Banner staff in 2013 as an advertising executive. She was promoted to Advertising Manager in 2017 before becoming General Manager in 2020 and then Publisher in August 2023. Crystal has won numerous awards from the Oklahoma Press Association in ad design, most recently a first and third place win for large ad space design in 2022 along with second place for small ad space design. Born and raised in Duncan, Crystal graduated from Duncan High School in 2001, joining a long line of Duncan graduates in her family. Crystal is an active member of Faith Church along with several community groups, including the Duncan Noon Lions Club. She is a proud supporter of the Stephens County Humane Society and all Duncan Demon sports from the many years her children participated. Crystal, along with husband Mike, live in Meridian with their three children, Alyssa, Jacob and Jordan. Crystal enjoys spending time with family and her many dogs.

Born and raised in California, Tamara joined the staff at The Duncan Banner in March 2020. As an award winning journalist, Tamara has placed for her feature stories and photography, as well as for her news and column writing over the past few years. Tamara previously gathered her experience by interning at the South Gibson Star Times in Fort Branch, Indiana, as well as working as the editor for her college newspaper, The Collegian in Oakland City, Indiana. Her experiences continued while writing and publishing a magazine, Evoke, with a group of friends in Turlock, California. With family local to Stephens County as well in the surrounding areas of Oklahoma, Tamara moved to Duncan from Stanislaus County, jumping right into community events as a reporter. She loves to connect and engage with the community members to tell their heartfelt stories each day.

A Comanche resident since the age of 10, Jason graduated from Comanche High School in 1991. His wife, Jennifer, followed a year behind, and the family has strong roots in the area. They have raised three daughters here, each of whom graduated from Comanche. They also have grandchildren attending school there. Jason began his career with The Banner in 2016 as a freelance photographer. Later, he accepted a full-time position in the advertising department, but he still enjoys taking photos occasionally. Jason loves his connection to the community he has now working at The Banner. He currently serves as the Comanche Chamber of Commmerce’s Vice President.

Andy Morphew has been writing sports for The Duncan Banner since 2011 when he began his first tenure with the paper. He has over 12 years of experience in covering high school athletes in Stephens County. Morphew has lived in Stephens County since September of 2010 and is a graduate of The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma. He has covered over 1,000 high school games and close to 1,500 games between the pro and college ranks. During his full-time tenure at The Duncan Banner, Morphew won many awards, including the 2021 Oklahoma Press Association top prize for Sports Coverage in the division. Just recently, Morphew was the runner-up in the Best of CNHI Contest for Sports Columnist of the Year. He is currently employed by The City of Duncan as a Communications Coordinator.

Kelly S. Wray wrote his first articles for The Banner in September 1992 when Velma-Alma opened its football season with road wins over Washington, Oklahoma, and Dibble. Current V-A head coach Randy Norton played in those games, and Wray covered Central High when current head coach Dusty Ketner was an offensive lineman for the Bronchos. Wray has followed Stephens County sports and written about them, off and on, since 1992. A graduate of Empire High School and winner of the 2004 Society of Professional Journalists First Amendment Award, Wray has worked fulltime for newspapers in Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle, and Lawton. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in behavioral health from Cameron University, and a master’s in school counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He has taught communications at six different colleges and universities, including the University of Oklahoma, and he currently is an adjunct psychology instructor for Cameron University. He is a licensed alcohol drug counselor and works as a mental health provider for Lawton Public Schools. Most recently, Wray swept Oklahoma Press Association’s column writing division for Semi- and TriWeekly newspapers.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE DUNCAN

DEMONS

DEMONS ENTERING NEW ERA

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

he slate will become clean and a new era will begin for the Duncan Demons basketball program as they look to compete with a brand new helmsmen who will get his first taste as a head coach. Zac Knox, previously an assistant on the Lady Demons team a season ago, was hired to take over the boys’ program, which, on the official record, hasn’t won a game since the 2020-2021 season. Despite getting a chance to coach the Demons in a game or two at the end of last year, Knox took the off-season to get to know the players and build the lasting relationships to ensure a great environment. “My main focus has been on getting to know the players and understanding how I can support them. Building strong relationships with these young men has been an absolute priority for me,” Knox said. “I am sincerely grateful to be surrounded by such an amazing group of guys for my inaugural year at Duncan.” Some of the returning players have varsity experience and will look to gain some confidence in the program under Knox’s leadership. Those returners include Mason Imel, Zane Petty, Jeffry Cross, Jackson Conn and Daveon Carr. There will also be some returning players who didn’t come out during their junior year, like Chris Kouts and Gage Ingram. Knox also stated there is a sophomore class that will factor some in the rotation for the 2023-2024 campaign as Carson Carrio, River Tate and Kadyn Armstrong have put in the work during the off-season. Another player Duncan will get a look at, Jayzen Kortemeier, has shined on the football field this year. Knox knows he has a chance to make a strong impact on the 8

“Our team’s depth and versatility are our biggest strengths, which will undoubtedly serve us well throughout the challenging and demanding season ahead.” - Zac Knox

Duncan Head Basketball Coach court with athleticism and determination. Despite the Demons competing in a new class — 4A instead of 5A — Knox said there are some challenges and believes the squad will embrace the challenge of the new classification. “Moving to 4A definitely presents both advantages and disadvantages for our program. There are many talented teams in Class 4A, which will provide us with new and exciting challenges,” Knox said. “However, our main objective is to compete and give our best effort against any team we face on the court.” The season begins on the road as the Demons face a rival in Ardmore, who also join them in Class 4A for the sport of basketball. Knox believes this team might surprise people despite their last two years. “I believe that this team has the potential to surprise some people. We have a group of talented young men who have a chip on their shoulders,” Knox said. “We believe we can be competitive against any opponent on our schedule. Our team’s depth and versatility are our biggest strengths, which will undoubtedly serve us well throughout the challenging and demanding season ahead.” The first game will come at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at Ardmore High School, while the first home game will take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 against Blanchard High School.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO.

NAME

POSITION

2 Daveon Carr G 3 Jeffry Cross G 5 Braydon Richey G 11 Jayzen Kortemeier G 12 Nolan Coskrey G 15 Mason Imel F 22 Seth Downey G 23 Carson Carrio G 24 River Tate G 32 Chris Kouts F 33 Gage Ingram F 34 Zane Petty G 44 Kadyn Armstrong F 50 Jesse Mendinghall F 55 Jackson Conn C Head Coach: Zac Knox Asst. Coach: Justin Morris, Stephen Mapp Managers: Danica Contreras, Casey Phillips, and Kynzie Sherrill

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

11/28 Ardmore Away 12/1 Blanchard Home 12/7-9 SOI Home 12/12 Madill Away 1/2 Bishop McGuinness Away 1/4-6 Weatherford Tourney Away 1/9 Ardmore (Cancer night) Home 1/12 Hoops for Christ Home 1/13 Glenpool OKC 1/16 Community Christian Away 1/18-20 Port City Classic Away 1/23 Cache Away 1/30 Bishop McGuinness Home 1/2 Woodward (Homecoming) Home 1/6 Elk City Home 1/9 Woodward Away 1/13 Cache (Senior Night) Home 1/16-17 4A Dist. Tourney TBD 1/22-24 4A Regional Tourney TBD 1/29-3/2 4A Area Tourney TBD 3/5-9 4A State Tourney TBD

Zane Petty will return this year as a senior to help lead the Demons through the latest campaign.

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THE DUNCAN LADY

DEMONS

LADY DEMONS RETURN WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN NEW CLASSIFICATION

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

ith a returning coach and a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to play as a team together, the Duncan Lady Demons will aim to use that knowledge in a new classification for 2023-2024. Lady Demons head coach Grant Givens returns to the post as the varsity girls coach for Duncan High School after two stops at Empire and Weatherford High School. Hired this past spring, Givens said the pre-season has gone well and credits the beginning of the development of the team through the off-season workouts. “Pre-season has been good so far. We had around 20 ninth through 12th grade girls in off-season where we started implementing weight lifting and working on skill development and shooting,” Givens said. “We are fortunate to return a large number of girls who played varsity minutes last season. That experience will help throughout the season.” Seven of the girls who will factor with quality varsity minutes include two seniors, Addie Siess and Olivia Fletcher, and five juniors, Ariyah Harris, Amiya Williams, Hannah Woods, Kierney Holthaus and Viv Albin. Givens knew this would be a solid group and believes they are flexible to play in multiple positions and can also guard multiple positions which will help Duncan as they make the classification move. His daughter, Dasia Givens, will move in with him. She brings a vast experience playing in the classification Duncan is now in as they move from 5A to 4A. As a team, Givens said the squad is aware, however there has been not 10

“We are fortunate to return a large number of girls who played varsity minutes last season. That experience will help throughout the season.” -Grant Givens Duncan Head Girls Basketball Coach much talk as a whole unit. Still, he feels the potential is there to do well in the classification. “Our job is to improve and build each week and get ourselves to a position where we can be successful in the playoffs,” Givens said. “The kids are aware of the change and they know why it happened, but our intention is to play at a high level regardless of what size of school our opponent may be.” With the season beginning in late November, the Lady Demons head coach has high expectations for this team and believes improvements will need to be made, however when the time comes, he knows they will compete. “This group has the potential of being able to do something that hasn’t happened in a while for the Duncan girls’ program,” Givens said. “I believe that by the time playoffs get here, we will be one of the top teams in 4A and have an opportunity to make a run in the playoffs.” The 2023-2024 campaign will begin on the road when the Lady Demons tip-off at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Ardmore High School. The first home game will come at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 when they host Blanchard High School.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO. NAME POSITION 2 Amiyah Williams W 3 Emily Hallford G 4 Kierney Holthaus G/W 10 Vivienna Albin W 11 Dasia Givens G/W 12 Ariyah Harris G/W 15 Olivia Fletcher W 20 Meg Walker W 21 Finley Davis W 22 Breckin Root G/W 24 Hannah Woods W 25 Noelle McRoy W 31 Jaylee Phillips P 32 Riley Kreutz W/P 33 Addie Siess W 30 Gracie Jaramillo *Reserve Head Coach: Grant Givens Assistants: Amanda Lard, Brittany Thomas Managers: Kamryn Heilman, Rica Watenphul, Abby Hanson

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

Addie Siess will return as one of two seniors for the Lady Demons this year.

Good Luck this season to the Lady Demons and Demons!

Chuck Siess

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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THE MARLOW

OUT L AW S

MARLOW MAKES TRANSITION TO 4A

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

or Marlow, the process of maintaining a successful basketball program begins well before the gym is opened or players’ sneakers are laced. It starts with encouraging and enticing students to be two or three-sport athletes. Coaches and athletic administrators ask players to expand their horizons, not specialize. Get the kids out for the sport. Make sure they step into an organized, well-structured program, and then develop their talents to the fullest potential. That’s been Marlow’s winning formula for Class 3A in the past three years. And Marlow head coach Kirk Harris believes it will be successful this season, now that the Outlaws have moved to Class 4A. “At Marlow, a lot of our success is getting our athletes for every sport,” said Harris, whose own son, Blayd, is a key player for the Marlow football team and the starting point guard for the basketball team. “We don’t have many guys who are just one-sport athletes. In fact, about 90% of our athletes are three-sport athletes.” Harris said participation numbers are especially important during the winter athletic season because Marlow has three successful programs – basketball, wrestling and swimming – to feed. Marlow has been one of the best teams in Class 3A for the past three seasons. The Outlaws advanced to the 3A Quarterfinals in 2021. Then, in 2022, they lost to eventual state champion Millwood by a basket in the semifinals. They just missed a third-consecutive trip to the state tournament last season when they lost to Lindsay on the final day of the area tournament. The Outlaws finished 22-6 last season, playing four new starters and Avrey 14

Payne, who ultimately became an allstate player. Payne was the only starter to graduate. The other four are back this season. Payne, the Outlaws starting center, averaged 16.1 points per game last season. A tremendous four-sport athlete, Payne was able to guard just about any post player the Outlaws faced. Harris said the Outlaws will miss Payne’s ability on both ends of the floor. “If we have a weakness it’d probably be lack of size,” Harris said. “Not having a true center … not that many people use a true post anymore, but when we face a true post and have to defend him, we’ll have to do some things differently.” The Outlaws strength, Harris said, is the versatility among their players. “We have a lot of different players who can play different positions,” Harris said. “I think we will be able to score at all three levels – at the basket, in the midrange, and from the three-point line.” Harris’ son Blayd, was Banner First Team All-Area last season and will again set the table and pace for the Marlow offense at his point guard position. Parker Boyles was The Banner Newcomer of the Year last season and is back at forward. Coach Harris said Boyles can play either forward position. The Outlaws’ shooting guard Kaden Harris was second team all-area, while strong forward Mason Holding was all-area honorable mention. Coach Harris expects several other players to play vital roles in the rotation. He said he expects big things from sophomore Boomer Brooks, who is recovering from an injury suffered during football season. Harris said Kagun Mahaffey, Zach Pettit, and Zach Long to be vital in the rotation.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

Parker Boyles was The Banner Newcomer of the Year last season.

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

1/28 Pauls Valley Away 12/1 Sulphur (Homecoming) Home 12/5 Lindsay Home 12/12 Bridge Creek Home 12/14 Chickasha Away 12/28-30 Mustang Holiday Classic 1/2 Comanche Away 1/4-6 Kingston Tournament Away 1/9 Purcell Away 1/12 Washington Home 1/15-20 Stephens County Tournament 1/26 Lindsay Away 1/30 Bridge Creek Away 2/2 Comanche (Senior night) Home 2/6 Purcell Home 2/9 Washington Away 2/12 Pauls Valley Home 2/15-16 District Tournament 2/22-24 Regional Tournament 2/29-3/2 Area Tournament 3/7-9 State Tournament

Blayd Harris is set to return as a starting guard for the Marlow Outlaws.

Go outlaws! 801 S. Broadway St. Marlow • 580-658-3784

THE MARLOW LADY

OUT L AW S

ROBBINS SETS UP CAMP AT MARLOW

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

egan Robbins took switching sides to a new level. She is, so to speak, a Hatfield who became a McCoy, a Poke who became a Sooner. She is a Comanche Indian who became a … Marlow Outlaw? Talk about your ultimate transfer portal moves. In the switcharoo of switcharoos, Robbins left sidelines at Comanche at took the head coaching job at rival Marlow this summer. It was, she says, a difficult decision. But it was the right decision … for her family … for her friends … for the Marlow program. “It wasn’t an easy decision, especially when you’ve built relationships with kids, and I had a good relationship with the kids at Comanche,” said Robbins, who graduated from Bray-Doyle and played college basketball at Oklahoma State. “But ultimately you have to do what’s right for your family. I was living in Marlow and driving to Comanche. So, this job is closer to where I live, and a bunch of people I grew up with at Bray are here. Everything is here. Robbins takes an impressive record with her into Outlaw Country. At Comanche alone, she amassed 51 wins in three years. That’s an average of 17 wins a season. Her second Comanche club finished 22-6, and she developed and guided The Banner Player of the Year last season in Gracee Miller. Robbins, who is Marlow’s fifth girls basketball coach in five years, inherited a smattering of returning starters and experienced players off the bench. “There is a hunger for girls sports at Marlow to really build something,” Robbins said. The Lady Outlaws graduated Whitney Wade, who led Marlow in nearly every major statistical category, including points (11.3 points per game), rebounding, steals, and assists. Marlow also graduated Erin Doughty and 16

Kendall Kizarr. Doughty was third on the team in total rebounds and scoring (5.1 ppg). Kizarr averaged two points and nearly two rebounds per game. Robbins said her rotation will probably go eight deep. The Lady Outlaws return two starters in center Kently Davis and power forward Allye Haile. Davis was second in total rebounds and scoring (8.3 ppg) for the Lady Outlaws’ last season. She was also second in assists with 45 total. Haile is the tallest player on the team. She averaged four rebounds and 4.1 points per game. Demi Hunt will start at shooting guard. “Kently plays hard,” Robbins said. “She gets after it. She’s physical. She will bring toughness for us, and she’s playing with a lot of confidence. She’s been good to set the pace for us. Allye can play inside or outside. We think she draw some of those bigger defenders outside and create a mismatch.” Carson Lovett, The Banner’s Sixth-Man of the Year last season, will replace Wade as the Lady Outlaws’ starting point guard. Lovett cracked the starting lineup at the end of last season and averaged 3.6 points and one assist per game. “When Carson is on the floor, we flow better,” Robbins said. “She’s really stepped into the role, and she pushes the pace.” Gracee Ottinger will likely draw the nod at small forward, Robbins said. Ottinger is a sophomore who can play small forward, shooting guard, or point guard. Kinley Castle is another versatile player who can play multiple positions. Robbins said Castle is capable of playing any position but center. “She played (power forward) last season,” Robbins said. “She’s not super tall, but she’s long and she can really jump.” Kori Scott, Miley Miller, and Kally Loyd will provide guard play off the bench. Robbins said freshman Hayden Chapman provides a lot of energy.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

Allye Haile is the tallest girl on the team and will be the Lady Outlaws’ starting power forward.

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

1/28 Pauls Valley Away 12/1 Sulphur (Homecoming) Home 12/5 Lindsay Home 12/12 Bridge Creek Home 12/14 Chickasha Away 12/27-29 Idabel Tournament Away 1/2 Comanche Away 1/4-6 Kingston Tournament Away 1/9 Purcell Away 1/12 Washington Home 1/15-20 Stephens County Tournament 1/26 Lindsay Away 1/30 Bridge Creek Away 2/2 Comanche (Senior night) Home 2/6 Purcell Home 2/9 Washington Away 2/12 Pauls Valley Home 2/15-16 District Tournament 2/22-24 Regional Tournament 2/29-3/2 Area Tournament 3/7-9 State Tournament

Carson Lovett was The Banner’s Sixth Man of the Year last season and will be Marlow’s starting point guard this year.

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Here’s to a SlamDunk Season!

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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THE COMANCHE

INDIANS INDIANS RETURNING ALL FIVE STARTERS FOR 2023-2024 CAMPAIGN

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

omanche had a new head coach last year and in year two, he will have all five starters returning and a goal to take the next step in the 2023-2024 campaign. Hired late in the game before the 20222023 season, Coach Anthony Bowie had a full summer of workouts. He saw the growth of his players coming into the new year. “We went to Cache, Anadarko and the UCO camp. All of our guys were in the gym lifting weights four days a week and shooting,” Bowie said. “We didn’t get to do this last year so getting a full summer to do this was beneficial to our guys’ growth.” The Indians have Hunter Lassley, who was an all-conference player averaging 10 points per game and seven rebounds per game. Also returning will be the Ellis twins, Myles and Dillon. Briar Blair is a senior for the Indians and Bowie believes he is a great finisher around the rim and is an excellent rebounder for his size. The final starter returning, Corbin Bowen, who had a lot of time in the gym, comes with the ability to play any position. The hopes are for Bowen to see a breakout season. Off the bench, Colby Shannon will start games. Bowie hopes he will serve as a spark of instant offense for the Indians. Newcomers to the team Bowie said could factor in the varsity level right away include Ty Lane, a freshman. Joining the freshman will also be Hollister Pollock, Johnathon Alarez, Joe Zavala and Cooper Epperson. In the pre-season, the Indians will

“We expect to grow within the system, continue to submit to everyone on the team, work hard, and understand the style of play we’re trying to play... We have good players, we have a good system, we have great knowledgeable coaches and a community behind us.”

THE LINE UP NAME

GRADE

Myles Ellis Dillon Ellis Hunter Lassley Corbin Bowen Briar Blair Colby Shannon TC Lindsey Bryson Lassley Johnathon Alvarez Cooper Epperson Joe Zavala Hollister Pollock Brycen Goedhart Jace Bowen Owen Cook Aisen Testerman Carson Vansickle Robbie Daffern JJ Alavardo Ty Lane

12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Coaches: Anthony Bowie

- Anthony Bowie Comanche Head Basketball Coach continue their hard work in practice and understanding the system put in place. “We expect to grow within the system, continue to submit to everyone on the team, work hard, and understand the style of play we’re trying to play,” Bowie said. “We only know the work and our efforts we have put in, in the offseason will control our output for a breakout year. We have good players, we have a good system, we have great knowledgeable coaches and a community behind us.” Game number one of the season will serve as the home opener. The Indians face off against Amber-Pocassett to start off the 2023-2024 season. A year ago, the Indians started the season with the 45-30 victory over the Panthers. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at Comanche High School.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

ON THE SCHEDULE

Date

Opponent

Location

11/28

Amber Pocasett

Home

12/1

Washington

Home

12/7-9

Latta Tournament

Away

12/12

Lindsey

Away

12/15

Purcell

Away

12/19

Newcastle

Away

Marlow

Home

1/2 1/4-6

Lindsey Tournament

Away

1/9

Pauls Valley

Away

1/12

Bridge Creek

Home

1/15-20 Stephens Co. Tournament HOST 1/23

Washington

Away

1/26

Purcell

Home

1/30

Lindsey

Home

2/2

Marlow

Away

2/6

Pauls Valley

Home

2/9

Bridge Creek

Away

Corbin Bowen, a senior, returns with the experience to play any position for the Comanche Indians.

Good Luck

601 Hillery Rd • 580-439-8833

Comanche Basketball! We are proud of you!

THE COMANCHE LADY

INDIANS

ROBINSON REGIME BEGINS WITH COACHABLE, GROWING TEAM LINEUP

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

omanche Lady Indians new head coach Braydon Robinson has hit the ground running with his new team. One thing is for sure: He loves how coachable they are heading into the 2023-2024 season. Getting an early start, Robinson has had three scrimmages with the Lady Indians in the last month. His goal for the Lady Indians? To see the growth of the team as the season progresses. Now in his second head coaching position, Robinson coached Turpin for five seasons and then spent the last two as an assistant at Hooker. Comanche will make his third stop in his coaching career. Four players saw varsity minutes a year ago and two seniors will lead the way — Kamrey Rendon and Kylie Roden, the guards for the Lady Indians. The other two leaders are juniors for the Lady Indians. Karsynn Bowles and Jentry Whaley are expected to help lead the squad as a bunch of young players enter into the mix. Newcomers and returning players who might figure into the rotation include Jaylee Roebuck, Drai Sparks, Bre Gill and Jillian Hushbeck. Senior Ema Parks will return after a few years of not playing and will also be joined by Maicee Combs and Ava Foraker as some of the others vying for varsity minutes. Each player brings in their own unique perspective to the team. Robinson knows the beginning might be a bit tough, however with the effort this team has shown, improvement will appear. “This season we have a lot of inexperience and are trying to learn a new 22

“If we can stay healthy, I think by the time playoffs come around we will be very competitive and be in a position to make a nice run. There are a lot of factors that play into making a deep run but we’re going to focus on improving each day and working hard and we will see what happens.”

THE LINE UP NAME

GRADE

Emaleigh Parks

Kamrey Rendon

Kylie Roden

Jentry Whaley

Jillian Hushbeck

Karsynn Bowles

Ava Foraker

Jaylee Roebuck

Bre Gill

Drai Sparks

Maicee Combs

Managers: Raylen Parks, Blakely Montgomery Coaches: Braydon Robinson, Jennifer White

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

- Braydon Robinson

11/28

Amber Pocasett

Home

Comanche Head Girls Basketball Coach

12/1

Washington

Home

system. So our team is definitely going to get better as the season progresses,” Robinson said. “If we can stay healthy, I think by the time playoffs come around we will be very competitive and be in a position to make a nice run. There are a lot of factors that play into making a deep run but we’re going to focus on improving each day and working hard and we will see what happens.” The Lady Indians will begin the 20232024 season with two home games. They will look to replace one of their biggest players, Gracee Miller, who graduated and is now playing at UCO. The first game for the Lady Indians will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 against Amber-Pocasset as the Robinson regime begins at Comanche High School.

12/7-9

Latta Tournament

Away

12/12

Lindsey

Away

12/15

Purcell

Away

12/19

Newcastle

Away

1/2

Marlow

Home

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

1/4-6

Lindsey Tournament

Away

1/9

Pauls Valley

Away

1/12

Bridge Creek

Home

1/15-20 Stephens Co. Tournament HOST 1/23

Washington

Away

1/26

Purcell

Home

1/30

Lindsey

Home

2/2

Marlow

Away

2/6

Pauls Valley

Home

2/9

Bridge Creek

Away

Kamrey Rendon will return in her senior year as a guard for the Lady Indians basketball team.

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

STEPHENS COUNTY TOURNAMENT RESULTS Girls Championship Results 1932: Bray 35, Alma 34 1933: Gatlin 23, Bray 19 1934: Alma 20, Burrows 7 1935: Alma 24, Burrows 6 1936: Bray 28, Alma 26 1937: Bray 31, Burrows 12 1938: Loco 14, Empire 9 1939: Bray 23, Comanche 18 1940: Bray 24, Comanche 22 1941: Bray 29, Comanche 24 1942: Bray 36, Comanche 32 1943: Comanche 25, Bray 16 1944: Bray 30, Comanche 15 1945: Bray 30, Comanche 20 1946: Comanche 46, Bray 18 1947: Comanche 28, Velma-Alma 28 game ended in tie 1948: Bray 42, Loco 36 1949: Doyle 39, Central High 22 1950: Loco 20, Comanche 15 1951: Doyle 33, Comanche 26 1952: Comanche 45, Loco 38 1953: Comanche 37, Bray 29 1954: Bray 43, Doyle 37 1955: Bray 46, Doyle 36 1956: Bray 57, Comanche 31 1957: Bray 39, Velma-Alma 31 1958: Bray 62, Doyle 38 1959: Doyle 44, Comanche 42 1960: Velma-Alma 34, Bray 29 1961: Bray 43, Marlow 31 1962: Bray 45, Doyle 40 1963: Marlow 37, Doyle 31 1964: Comanche 52, Bray 43 1965: Bray 21, Comanche 19 1966: Comanche 58, Empire 50 1967: Comanche 38, Bray 32 1968: Comanche 57, Central High 38 1969: Empire 37, Central High 27 1970: Bray 67, Central High 37 1971: Bray 54, Grandfield 41 1972: Central High 37, Comanche 35 1973: Comanche 39, Grandfield 36 1974: Comanche 44, Empire 32 1975: Comanche 60, Empire 42 1976: Marlow 36, Bray 33 1977: Central High 50, Walters 40 1978: Comanche 65, Velma-Alma 50 1979: Velma-Alma 44, Bray 37 1980: Bray 46, Marlow 38 1981: Marlow 53, Velma-Alma 47 1982: Bray-Doyle 65, Central High 45 1983: Walters 54, Bray-Doyle 42 1984: Velma-Alma 78, Empire 75 1985: Bray-Doyle 75, Empire 74 1986: Marlow 39, Bray-Doyle 37 (OT) 1987: Bray-Doyle 39, Marlow 36 1988: Marlow 55, Bray-Doyle 50 1989: Comanche 66, Central High 43 1990: Comanche 64, Velma-Alma 43 1991: Comanche 86, Empire 65 1992: Empire 67, Marlow 47

1993: Empire 63, Marlow 44 1994: Velma-Alma 57, Empire 50 1995: Marlow 47, Velma-Alma 32 1996: Velma-Alma 50, Bray-Doyle 38 1997: Velma-Alma 60, Marlow 36 1998: Marlow 70, Bray-Doyle 35 1999: Marlow 56, Central High 42 2000: Velma-Alma 32, Bray-Doyle 27 2001: Comanche 47, Velma-Alma 35 (OT) 2002: Velma-Alma 32, Bray-Doyle 30 2003: Bray-Doyle 43, Marlow 42 2004: Bray-Doyle 38, Velma-Alma 34 2005: Comanche 52, Velma-Alma 34 2006: Ringling 44, Velma-Alma 39 2007: Comanche 45, Empire 35 2008: Marlow 28, Velma-Alma 27 2009: Marlow 42, Velma-Alma 30 2010: Marlow 42, Bray-Doyle 25 2011: Marlow 45, Velma 35 2012: Marlow 59, Ryan 45 2013: Marlow 54, Central High 41 2014: Velma-Alma 36, Comanche 30 2015: Comanche 42, Marlow 28 2016: Comanche 70, Velma-Alma 42 2017: Comanche 58, Marlow 41 2018: Comanche 52, Marlow 26 2019: Comanche 40, Marlow 36 2020: Comanche 59, Marlow 44 2021: Marlow 38, Velma-Alma 32 2022: Comanche 35, Marlow 29 2023: Comanche 38, Marlow 30 2024: TO BE ANNOUNCED

Boys Championship Results 1932: Loco 14, Central High 13 1933: Loco 26, Central High 13 1934: Duncan 53, Burrows 19 1935: Bray 24, Duncan 18 1936: Empire 27, Bray 24 1937: Comanche 26, Central High 23 1938: Central High 23, Duncan 12 1939: Central High 22, Alma 17 1940: Marlow 25, Comanche 22 1941: Marlow 47, Duncan 38 1942: Duncan 42, Marlow 29 1943: Comanche 26, Central High 23 1944: Duncan 19, Marlow 15 1945: Duncan 45, Marlow 30 1946: Duncan 51, Marlow 24 1947: Empire 35, Bray 32 1948: Duncan 34, Empire 33 1949: Loco 33, Duncan 28 1950: Duncan 65, Bray 20 1951: Empire 39, Loco 30 1952: Central High 52, Bray 42 1953: Comanche 42, Bray 41 1954: Comanche 42, Empire 31 1955: Empire 45, Bray 34 1956: Comanche 74, Empire 63 1957: Bray 59, Empire 55 1958: Comanche 52, Marlow 50 1959: Marlow 54, Bray 52 1960: Bray 47, Empire 34

1961: Comanche 53, Velma-Alma 45 1962: Marlow 44, Bray 39 1963: Marlow 43, Velma-Alma 33 1964: Marlow 53, Comanche 37 1965: Comanche 53, Marlow 51 1966: Marlow 75, Comanche 59 1967: Comanche 56, Bray 37 1968: Marlow 54, Empire 46 1969: Marlow 73, Bray 70 1970: Marlow 64, Central High 34 1971: Grandfield 54, Central High 43 1972: Marlow 71, Grandfield 54 1973: Marlow 62, Bray 56 1974: Comanche 90, Bray 83 1975: Grandfield 51, Velma-Alma 43 1976: Central High 65, Grandfield 63 1977: Grandfield 61, Marlow 57 1978: Grandfield 61, Central High 56 1979: Marlow 59, Lindsay 55 1980: Marlow 54, Grandfield 51 1981: Bray 71, Velma-Alma 47 1982: Marlow 54, Grandfield 43 1983: Velma-Alma 84, Grandfield 62 1984: Velma-Alma 84, Marlow 61 1985: Empire 37, Marlow 36 1986: Velma-Alma 76, Grandfield 56 1987: Grandfield 50, Velma-Alma 46 1988: Grandfield 83, Comanche 78 1989: Marlow 58, Grandfield 38 1990: Velma-Alma 49, Marlow 46 1991: Marlow 65, Comanche 60 1992: Comanche 56, Central High 44 1993: Marlow 60, Comanche 41 1994: Marlow 58, Comanche 56 1995: Marlow 62, Velma-Alma 48 1996: Velma-Alma 56, Bray-Doyle 30 1997: Marlow 42, Bray-Doyle 25 1998: Marlow 52, Velma-Alma 42 1999: Comanche 65, Lawton Christian 52 2000: Velma-Alma 82, Bray-Doyle 57 2001: Velma-Alma 55, Marlow 50 2002: Marlow 58, Velma-Alma 48 2003: Central High 54, Velma-Alma 46 2004: Velma-Alma 50, Marlow 44 2005: Bray-Doyle 47, Comanche 44 2006: Velma-Alma 84, Comanche 73 2007: Velma-Alma 54, Comanche 53 2008: Velma-Alma 54, Bray-Doyle 52 2009: Empire 57, Comanche 55 2010: Velma-Alma 52, Bray-Doyle 50 2011: Velma-Alma 76, Frederick 66 2012: Velma-Alma 55, Frederick 52 2013: Central High 60, Marlow 43 2014: Comanche 64, Velma-Alma 56 2015: Marlow 55, Comanche 41 2016: Velma-Alma 56, Comanche 55 2017: Marlow 61, Comanche 49 2018: Marlow 59, Comanche 41 2019: Velma-Alma 68, Comanche 63 2020: Velma-Alma 57, Marlow 50 (OT) 2021: Marlow 49, Velma-Alma 46 2022: Marlow 43, Comanche 22 2023: Marlow 55, Velma-Alma 58 (OT) 2024: TO BE ANNOUNCED

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

WATCH

COUNTY ATHLETES READY TO LEAVE IT ALL ON THE COURT 28

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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THE EMPIRE

BULLDOGS CREATING CONSISTENCY WILL HELP ‘DAWGS TAKE BITE OUT OF TRIUMPH

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

he Empire Bulldogs went 14-9 last season, won the Black Diamond Classic, and finished as the consolation champions in the Comet Classic. The conundrum was: The Bulldogs led in the second half of all nine losses. So, this year the focus is establishing consistency and finishing games. “I think we improved over the summer in being consistent and finishing games,” Empire head coach Braden Hill said. “We ensured that all drills, conditioning, and live stuff at practice was at game speed. We played a ton of games this summer at camps, and we knew that was one of the things we needed to fix in the off-season to take the next step.” The Bulldogs peaked last season just after the turn of the calendar year. The Bulldogs won the Black Diamond at Rush Springs in the first week of January. Empire continued to play solid ball to the end of the regular season and entered the postseason at 14-8. But Empire received a difficult draw for the district tournament. Despite its winning record, the Bulldogs were placed in a three-team district and forced to play an opening-round elimination game against ranked Rock Creek. Empire lost, 60-49. The Bulldogs scored an average of 55 points per game and allowed just 44. They shot 42 percent from the field and 61 percent from the free-throw line. Not much from that team returns this season. Empire lost four starters. Nycolas Spigner graduated, and Easton Beck and Broadric Spigner transferred to Velma-Alma. Carson Carrio transferred to Duncan. 32

The lone returning starter is point guard Rylan Miller. Miller averaged 12 points and 4.1 assists per game last season. “Rylan brings four years of high school experience to our group,” Hill said. “He has been a part of four successful years, and has really progressed this summer in the off-season. He should be an exciting player to watch.” Cale Porter, who got a lot of playing time last year off the bench, is back and can play guard or forward. As the Bulldogs’ sixth-man last season, Porter averaged 6 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest. He shot 47 percent from the field. Hill said Porter took on bigger roles on both offense and defense this summer. “Cale really progressed this summer and showed some spark in his offensive game,” Hill said. Sean Allen and move-in Logan Gustin will share time at center. Allen provides a toughness, having been a starting lineman in football, while Gustin provides some size at 6-foot-5. Francisco Garcia can play both inside and outside, and he became a key part of the Empire rotation in the second part of the season last year. Damian Goldsberry, the Bulldogs’ leading running back in football, didn’t play basketball last year but plans to return to the court this season. He played basketball every season but last season and could help fill the void at shooting guard. Luke Burton, a senior, is back as a power forward. He played off the bench a lot last season. “His leadership is what’s key for us,” Hill said. “He’ll be our spark plug.”

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

Luke Burton is a leader on and off the floor for Empire.

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

11/28 Apache Away 12/1 Wayne Home 12/5 Grandfield Home 12/7-9 Velma Tournament Away 12/12 Central Away 12/15 Bray Away 1/2 Ringling Away 1/4-6 Black Diamond/RS Away 1/9 Velma Home 1/12 Waurika Home 1/15-20 Stephens County Tournament 1/23 Walters Away 1/26 Chattanooga Home 1/27 Fletcher Away 1/30 Healdton Home 2/2 Elmore City Away 2/6 Wilson Home 2/9-10 Class A Districts 2/15-17 Class A Regionals 2/22-24 Class A Area 2/26-3/2 Class A State

Point guard Rylan Miller is the lone returning starter for Empire.

THE EMPIRE LADY

BULLDOGS

LADY BULLDOGS COULD SEE SPECIAL YEAR ON THE HILL

KK Smith is the catalyst for the Empire offense. She enters her senior season as one of the top players in the county.

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

he Empire Lady Bulldogs are like a complex puzzle. All the pieces are available – and the picture of what they could form is clear. Now, the Lady Bulldogs must make everything fit together. And if they do, look out, says head coach Jaicee Powers. It could be a special year on The Hill. “The biggest strength of this team is when they come together,” Powers said. “They share the ball as well as, if not better than, any other team I’ve had, and they feed off of each other defensively. “Each player will have a role. If they buy in and excel at their role, we will have a chance to be really good.” The Lady Bulldogs hope to build on last season’s 20-7 mark and Area Tournament appearance. It will be Powers’ fifth season at the helm. Graduation didn’t take too big of a chunk of the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive production, but the transfer portal did. The Lady Bulldogs averaged 51. 3 points per game last season and return about half of that point production this year. Empire’s leading scorer and rebounder, Mia Curtis, transferred to Lawton MacArthur. The athletic, aggressive center averaged 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest last season. Two other of the Lady Bulldogs’ top seven players graduated. Gone are Emery Kowalik, who average 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds, and Stephanie “Boo” Millan, who finished with 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 points per contest. All others in the nightly rotation return. Senior KK Smith will be the Lady Bulldogs’ returning leader in points scored

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

and rebounds. Smith, a small forward, shot 43% from the field last season and averaged 11.1 points per game. She made good on 57.1 free throw attempts and grabbed 4.5 rebounds per game. “KK is just tough,” Powers said. She is physically strong, but she is also still so very quick. She has good instincts and can get by just about anyone. She can guard both inside and outside players, and her three-ball is much improved. “I would say she’s definitely our catalyst, but I’ll have several players who can score. She’s got to be aggressive offensively for us to be successful, but she doesn’t necessarily have to score a certain amount. I foresee us having several who average double-digits or close to it.” Kenley Lemons returns as the Lady Bulldogs’ starting point guard. Lemons, a senior, averaged just 1.8 turnovers per game last year and a team-high 3.6 assists. She was second on the team in steals with 2.4 per game and averaged 8.2 points per contest. During the Lady Bulldogs’ playoff run last season, Lemons and Smith combined for 22 assists and only two turnovers. “Kenley is a ... point guard,” Powers said. “She has really good court vision. She can also get to the rim and score, and she’s one of the smartest defenders I’ve ever coached.” Keira Pineda will replace Kowalik at shooting guard. Pineda averaged 6 points per game last season. “No one plays harder or has more energy than Keira Pineda,” Powers said. “She spent a ton of time in the gym this summer and has improved her offensive game tremendously. She is also an absolute spider monkey on defensively. She

just doesn’t quit. After an all-state effort on the softball field, senior Dani Kowalik will spend the winter as the Lady Bulldogs’ starting power forward. Senior Dani Kowalik at power forward. Dani Kowalik averaged nearly five points and three rebounds per game last year. “Dani can do so much,” Powers said. “She’ll be the most athletic girl on the floor most every night. She’s a tough defender and has started to really run the floor well. “In our scrimmages so far, she’s been a beast on the boards, and her three-ball is much improved.” Ryleigh Moiser didn’t play basketball last season but has returned to the court for her senior year. She could fill the opening in the post, Powers said. “She is strong and just plain tough,” Powers said. “She’s a kid that can score around the rim and works her tail off defensively and on the boards. Ultimately, though, she just wants to do whatever it takes to help her team win.” Several sophomores and freshmen will be in the rotation and could crack the starting lineup, Power said. Shiann Walker is a sophomore post player who is strong but still developing. Powers called Laynie Johnson a “rebounding machine.” And two sophomore guards – Kylie Lemons and Sarah Vanderburg – have impressed Powers in the preseason. “Sarah is a true shooting guard who is still developing when it comes to the speed of the high school game,” Powers said. “Kylie has improved and has good court vision and an improved jumper.” Powers has been impressed with two freshmen, Charlie Massey and Avery Smith, both of whom show above-average basketball sense and knowledge, she said. “They can handle the ball well, but they are still developing into the high school players they’ll eventually become,” Powers said.

Kenley Lemons is the Lady Bulldogs’ returning point guard.

Nov. 25

• Happy Hens Auction • DH Cattle Co Sale

Dec. 1-2

Duncan Wrestling

Dec. 8-9

Spot Light Cattle Show

Dec. 9

Happy Hens Auction

Dec. 16

Christmas Dinner

Jan. 13-14

Ultimate Calf Roping

Jan. 19-20 Monster Trucks

Jan. 26-27

Jan. 6

Red River Showdown

Jan. 13

Happy Hens Auction

Lorne Carter Rodeo Happy Hens Auction

Jan. 27

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE VELMA-ALMA

COMETS

COMETS SHOOT TO KEEP TRADITION OF DEEP PLAYOFF RUN ALIVE

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

he boys’ athletic programs at Velma-Alma have had a huge amount of success over the last four to five years. The Comets basketball team will shoot to keep that tradition of deep playoff runs alive in the 2023-2024 campaign. Last season saw the Velma-Alma Comets start off with a 14-0 record before losing their first game in the Stephens County Tournament finale against the Marlow Outlaws. The Comets made it all the way to the Area Consolation Semifinals before losing to Drummond to finish the year with a record of 20-4. Despite a few of their starters graduating, the Comets will return three: Langsten Walker, Alex Wilkerson and Jackson Lohrer. Those three will look to carry the load. Kellan Biffle and Slade Strickland played quality minutes last year off the bench. The team also saw transfers in Easton Beck, Broadric Spigner, from Empire, and Isaac Camaraillo, from Waurika. Another player who will figure into the rotation will be Talon Quick, who was injured in 2022-2023. Coach Kenny Bare believes this will help get the Comets back to keeping the tradition alive. “We have great depth and quality players, with a good mix of guards and post players,” Bare said. “I have been very fortunate to be able to coach here at Velma-Alma for the last 26 years. I do believe that the consistency of having the same system helps from year to year.” A year ago, the Comets won the district championship by beating Sterling and winning against Arapaho-Butler in the regional opener before losing to No. 5 ranked Okarche in the regional title game. 38

“This season, like most years, our goal will be the State Tournament. Class A is loaded in the top 20, but I really believe that our team will be in the hunt come play-off time.” - Kenny Bare Velma-Alma Head Basketball Coach The Comets’ season ended after winning the area consolation opener against Southwest Covenant before dropping a game to the eventual Area Consolation Champion in Drummond. With the football team winning another district championship and the belief from Coach Bare that the guys will be potentially playing for a gold ball in that sport, he believes when the year starts, they will be ready. “I am very confident that as soon as we start basketball games, we will be ready … Our goal will be to get better every week and be hitting our peak during the playoffs,” Bare said. “This season, like most years, our goal will be the State Tournament. Class A is loaded in the top 20, but I really believe that our team will be in the hunt come play-off time.” The season will begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at home against Elmore City-Pernell unless the Comets’ football team is still in the Class B Playoffs at that time. If the season continues until the State Championship game, the first game after will tip-off at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 when the Comets travel to face Waurika High School.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO. NAME GRADE 1 Isaac Camaraillo 12 2 Easton Beck 11 3 Langsten Walker 12 4 Talon Quick 11 5 Devin Hendricks 10 10 Slade Strickland 10 11 Jackson Lohrer 10 15 Kaedon Bassett 10 20 Riley Hudman 10 21 Judson Elliott 10 22 Conner Bruce 9 24 Kellan Biffle 10 32 Alex Wilkerson 12 35 Broadric Spigner 11 44 Zander Riffe 10 Head Coach: Kenny Bare Asst. Coaches: Jack McGuire, Kenny Spigner Managers: Aydyn Osborne, Jagger Sanner, Maddox Riffe, Carson Beck, Cody Masterman Stats: Katie Pogue, Julie Bare

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

12/1 Springer Away 12/7-9 Comet Classic Home 12/12 Waurika Away 12/15 Ringling Home 12/18 ECP Home 12/19 Central Home 1/4-6 Davis Tournament Away 1/9 Empire Away 1/12 Dibble Home 1/13 Geronimo Lawton Coliseum 1/15-20 Stephens County Tournament 1/23 Alex Home 1/26 Healdton (Homecoming) Home 1/27 Roff Away 1/30 ECP Away 2/2 Wilson Away 2/5 Walters Away 2/9-10 Districts 2/15-17 Regionals 2/22-24 Area 2/26-3/2 State

Langsten Walker returns in his senior season and is one of three seniors who will help lead the Comets this season.

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THE VELMA-ALMA LADY

COMETS

LADY COMETS HOPE FOR BREAKOUT YEAR IN LOHRER’S SECOND SEASON

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

hen a new regime is presented, it takes a couple of years to find an identity. For Coach Dana Lohrer, the hope is there to take a step closer to renewing the tradition for Velma-Alma Lady Comets basketball. The Lady Comets were supposed to have two starters returning from Lohrer’s first season, however one of them is battling an ankle injury and might be done for the year before the first game plays. Senior Lexi Williams, now injured, and junior Azya Pemberton were some of the big players for the Lady Comets last year. Williams started practice in October and was the most likely to appear as a leader both on and off the court. Lohrer said losing Williams will impact the team, however Pemberton, who became one of the top three shooters on the team, will look to have a breakout season. Joining her will be senior Kylee Pierce, who had some valuable minutes before an injury in the Davis Tournament forced Pierce to be unable to finish the last season. Pierce is healthy and Lohrer believes she will see a lot of minutes coming up in 2023-2024 season. The rest of the team will be composed of six sophomores and two freshmen. Some of the key sophomores who will play major minutes will include Makenna Oliver, Presley Condit and Sterling McLain. Those three have shown some great promise to begin pre-season workouts with each giving their own special attention in their prospective playing style to the team. The two freshmen who will be featured for Lohrer’s squad, Saylar Garrett and Abby Pollock, will play some valuable 40

“I strongly believe that these girls love playing basketball and they are competitors, which will definitely help offset the inexperience.” - Dana Lohrer Velma-Alma Girls Basketball Coach minutes at the junior high level and might factor in the lineup at the high school. With this as the second season for Lohrer to lead her alma mater, the feeling of stability and becoming settled is something she is looking forward to and believes this team has potential. “With it being my second year, I do feel more settled. It is really nice to have more established relationships with our student athletes. I think with each year the standards are raised,” Lohrer said. “The girls are buying in and I am very thankful for their trust and commitment.” The potential is there for the Velma-Alma Lady Comets, according to Lohrer, and the first month of practice has shown the dedication of the team. Overall, Lohrer believes they are moving in the right direction. “We will have a lot of new faces on the court this season. Being as young as we are, I know there will be times our inexperience plays a role in the flow of the game,” Lohrer said. “I strongly believe that these girls love playing basketball and they are competitors, which will definitely help offset the inexperience.” The first game for the Lady Comets will tip-off at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at home against Elmore City-Pernell High School.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO.

NAME

GRADE

Rosa Fernandez-Donat

Azya Pemberton

Abby Pollock

Makenna Oliver

Isabella Davis

Presley Condit

Sterling McLain

Saylar Garrett

Kylee Pierce

Kaleigh Matthews

Head Coach: Dana Lohrer Assistant Coach: Kaydee Wright Managers: Jaycee Lohrer, Ryan Sanders

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

Junior Azya Pemberton will lead this year’s Lady Comets’ line up after the lone senior was injured and is left unlikely to play.

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THE CENTRAL HIGH

BRONCHOS YOUNG AND TALENTED: BRONCHOS’ SIGHTS SET ON COHESIVE ADVANCEMENT

Central head coach Kenny McGough calls a play during a home game last season. McGough was The Banner’s Coach of the Year for the 2023-2024 season.

ON THE SCHEDULE Date Opponent Location 11/28 Sterling Away 12/1 Bray-Doyle Home 12/5 Ninnekah Away 12/7-9 Chatty Tournament 12/12 Empire Home 12/15 Rush Springs Home 12/19 Velma-Alma Away 1/4-6 Lawton Coliseum Tournament 1/9 Ft. Cobb Away 1/12 Ringling Home 1/15-20 Stephens County Tournament 1/23 Elmore City Away 1/26 Wilson Home 1/30 Waurika Away 2/2 Walters Home 2/6 Healdton Away 44

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

utsiders might look at what graduation did to the Central boys’ roster and feel a tinge of sorrow for head coach Kenny McGough. Afterall, The Banner 2023 Boys Coach of the Year graduated four of five starters and nearly all of the point production from a Bronchos’ team that finished 18-8 and missed the area tournament by just one win. But McGough isn’t fretting over those who’ve left. He’s excited about those who remain. The Bronchos will be young, but they will be talented, McGough said. “We’ll be better at every spot (this year),” McGough said. And there’s solid reason to believe that. The five McGough put on the floor at the end of games last season weren’t always the same five who started. McGough’s starting lineup included four seniors and a junior, but he often finished games with three underclassmen, one junior, and one senior on the floor. Especially if the game was close. This is the season for those young Bronchos to step into starting roles – and they’ll do so with valuable experience. McGough said his normal rotation will likely go nine deep. “Kid for kid, we’ll be as talented as anyone we play,” McGough said. “All nine of these guys could start for other teams. We just have to play together, and I really don’t have to worry about that. They are good about working together and sharing the ball. We have a chance to be a pretty good group, and you usually don’t hear me say that this early.” The Bronchos averaged 45.9 points per game last season. On average, nearly 30.5 of those points were scored by four starters

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

who graduated in May. Gone is starting power forward Jace Waller, who was one of the county’s best players last season. The Bronchos’ offense often ran through Waller, and he led Central in scoring (15.2 points per game) and rebounding (12.5 rpg). The Bronchos also said goodbye to starting shooting guard Caden Covington (8.2 ppg), center Kolten Bethune (5.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg), and power forward Levi Young. The lone returning starter is point guard Dirk McGough, the coach’s son. The younger McGough’s numbers will never be gaudy, but his floor presence and leadership are valuable beyond numbers, the coach said. “I think the perfect analogy for Dirk is, ‘If we’re the drink, he’s the straw.’ He stirs it,” the elder McGough said. “His stats won’t be much, but we need him on the floor to be successful. The boys want him on the floor. He’s kind of an extension of me.” Luke Thrasher, The Banner 6th Man of the Year last season, will start at shooting guard. A 6-foot-1 freshman last season, Thrasher was the best player on the floor in most Central Junior High games. McGough said last preseason, Thrasher’s only weakness was being a freshman. Now that he is a sophomore, Thrasher may not have a weakness, the coach said. “Luke has a chance to be the best player I’ve ever coached,” McGough said. “He’s our ‘do-everything’ player. He’s probably our best at everything – scoring, distributing the ball, rebounding – and he’s a good defensive player. He guarded everyone’s best player last year.” Landon Johnson will get the nod at small forward. McGough said the 6-foot-2 sophomore has a chance to be the Bronchos’ best shooter. Johnson started at quarterback in

Central’s last football game and the next day he went 8-of-10 from the three-point line in the Bronchos’ first basketball scrimmage. Tyler Minden, who McGough says is the Bronchos’ best on-ball defender, will start at power forward. The 6-foot-1 junior is an anchor for the Central defense. “He can guard positions one through five,” McGough said. “He’s a super athlete, and he had the best summer of anyone. He’s kind of our X factor as far as knowing exactly what he’ll bring, but if he’s good as I expect him to be, it will be special. He can score at the rim and he can bring it up the floor too.” Ethan Brumlet, a 6-foot-5 junior, will get the nod at center. Brumlet was on the floor at the end of most games last season. He averaged 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per contest. “Ethan has become so much more athletic this year,” McGough said. “He’s our second best shooter, and he alters a lot of shots on defense.” The rest of the rotation will consist of sophomore Mitchell Owens (5-8), freshman Wyatt Knox (5-9), sophomore Jamison Scott, and Cutter Jackson (5-10). “Mitchell’s basketball skills are off the charts,” McGough said. “He can stretch the floor and knock down shots. He’s always in the right place at the right time. “Wyatt is one of the most skilled players I’ve ever had. He does things you can’t coach. He’s as skilled of a freshman as I’ve ever had. Cutter didn’t play a lot last year, but he’s really tough, and Jamison’s effort is crazy. He’s not afraid to guard anyone.”

Ethan Brumlet will move into the starting lineup for the Bronchos this season.

Good Luck Central High! Have a great season!

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THE CENTRAL HIGH LADY

BRONCHO S

LADY BRONCHOS’ GOAL: TAKE CARE OF THE BALL, VALUE IT, DON’T LOSE IT

Rashel Johnson is the Lady Bronchos starting point guard and sets the table for the offense.

STORY BY KELLY WRAY

entral finished the season at 5-17 least year, and head coach Lance Osburn was left to wonder how different the Lady Bronchos’ record would have been if they had protected the ball. A greater amount of wins, more than likely – and fewer losses. The book on the Lady Bronchos’ last season was: Pressure them. They’ll give you the ball. That’s why the rallying cry in Central this season is: Take care of the ball. Value it. And most of all, don’t lose it. “The biggest thing will be taking care of the ball and cutting down the turnovers,” Osburn said when considering the keys to success in 2023-24. “We have let other teams dictate the pace of play and what we do. We have to be strong with the ball and not rush things. We have to have the mindset that we are going to play our way and we’re going to do what we need to do.” The Lady Bronchos welcome back all five starters from last season, and they’ve added depth with four incoming freshmen and two transfers from Marlow. Osburn said his rotation could include as many as 10 players early in the season. But there’s no question that seniors Rashel Johnson and Andi Standridge will make the backbone of the team. Both are returning starters. Johnson starts at point guard and Standridge vacillates among post, forward, and guard positions depending on matchups. Standridge can play almost any position. She started her career as an inside player exclusively, but she developed ball skills and now plays what Obsurn calls a point/ forward flex position. Standridge led the Lady Bronchos in points (11.1 per game) and rebounds (6.8 ppg) last season. She shot 30% from the

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

field and 53% from the line. In preseason, Standridge was selected among the Vype Top 100. “Andi has come a long way,” Osburn said. “She’s started almost every game for me. When she was a freshman and sophomore, she was just an inside player but she’d developed her game and can now be a presence inside or outside. We want to get the ball in her hands.” Johnson started a few games in her sophomore season and then started every game as a junior last year. A lot of the Lady Bronchos’ success will depend on Johnson’s ability to set the offense and control the pace. Johnson averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. Kellie Archer started at center last season for Central. She averaged 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Osburn said Archer demonstrated her potential over the last five games of last season when she averaged five blocked shots per game. “She definitely had a turning point at the end of last season,” Osburn said. Osburn expects shooting guard KK Delaney to provide a strong defensive presence. Delaney, who moved into the starting lineup after the second game last season, averaged 2.4 steals and 2.6 rebounds per game last year. She scored 2.7 points per contest. “KK will get her points and there will be some nights when she scores in double-figures, but her job is defense,” Osburn said. Sophomore Daylin Keyser is a returning starter that plays what Osburn calls a “stretch 5,” someone who is between a power forward and center. She played point guard for the Central Junior High team last season, but she spent most of her varsity time in the paint.

Because of the Lady Bronchos’ depth at center, Keyser may get to play outside the lane more this season, Osburn said. Jaylin Johnson, who had battled for the last couple of seasons, is back and should help the Lady Bronchos at power forward, Osburn said. McKenzie Bonotto came off the bench during the first half of the season last year and has shown improvement during preseason scrimmages, Osburn said. He likes her outside shot. Riley and Reese Dickerson are sisters who transferred from Marlow. Riley, a senior, transferred to Central at second semester during the last academic year, and Reese made the move over the summer. Osburn said Riley is a solid player who has tremendous work habits. “She’s been a ‘gym rat’ ever since she came here,” Osburn said. “She’s really developed her game quite a bit.” Osburn expects Reese to play in the middle and offer a big defensive presence, he said. Osburn said four freshmen – Marlea Wright, Kinlee Scott, Debra Stephens, and Aubrey Knapp – could see playing time. At 5-foot-10, Knapp is a true post player who will provide the Lady Bronchos with a long, lanky presence inside. Wright is a point guard, and Scott is a power forward who can also play center. Stephens is a shooting guard who has displayed a good shot and a lot of confidence.

Andi Standridge has been a mainstay in the Central starting lineup. She returns for her senior season.

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

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THE BRAY-DOYLE

DO NK EYS DONKEYS AIM TO BUILD NEW CULTURE UNDER NEW HEAD COACH

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

fter working a few coaching jobs at a larger school to start his career, Cody Whatley has returned to his hometown of Bray-Doyle as the new Donkeys boys head basketball coach with hopes to build a new culture. Whatley has worked with the athletes during football season and encouraged all of them to try different activities. Some of the basketball athletes have been involved with football, FFA, FCCLA and E-Sports. Now that it is basketball time, Whatley says the athletes are committed to making a great hooping season. “I believe this will be a growing year in which the student-athletes at Bray-Doyle will be learning a new system and developing a new hunger and deeper appreciation for the game of basketball and life,” Whatley said. “My philosophy is to be inspiring, positive and motivating at all times. My purpose is to build a basketball program that exemplifies the core beliefs of Bray-Doyle High School.” The Donkeys will return the likes of Jackson Anderson, Rayden Crow, Judson Dorman, Ethan Fisher, Gunner McAnally, Tyrell Whitfield and Brody Whitney. They will serve as the building blocks for the future of the program, according to Whatley, and will join five new coming freshmen playing their first year on the varsity level. Bladyn Harris, William Kennard, Jonathan Gracey, Christopher Carson and Jacobe Anderson will have the opportunity and capability to help move the program in a positive direction, Whatley said. Part of his philosophy is to hold the players and coaches accountable for their responsibilities and effort, while also working harder than the opponents 50

“My philosophy is to be inspiring, positive and motivating at all times. My purpose is to build a basketball program that exemplifies the core beliefs of Bray-Doyle High School. ” - Cody Whatley Bray-Doyle Boys Basketball Coach during the game. Like any new coach at a program, Whatley is a firm believer that in order to see success, the Donkeys will need to learn as they go and make long-term goals. “I believe that any team can be as good as they want if they are willing to put in the work and learn from their mistakes,” Whatley said. “We need to have long-term goals, but we have to be willing to work hard each day to get better and understand that success is found in the daily grind. As we strive to reach our shortterm goals, we know they will take us closer toward our long-term goals.” The 2023-2024 campaign began at 8 p.m. Nov. 17 when the Donkeys hosted Wilson High School to open up the new year under Coach Whatley. They’ll then head on the road for three straight travel games. Bray-Doyle will also appear in two tournaments — their conference tournament and the Stephens County Tournament, which will take place at Comanche High School in January.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO.

NAME

GRADE

Jacobe Anderson

Chris Carson

Jonathan Gracey

Blaydn Harris

William Kennard

Jackson Anderson

Rayden Crow

Judson Dorman

Ethan Fisher

Gunner McAnally

Dean Barnes

Brody Whitney

Caleb Carson

Tyrell Whitfield

Head Coach: Cody Whatley

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

11/27 11/28 12/1 12/5 12/8 12/15 1/2 1/4-5 1/9 1/12 1/17-20 1/23 1/26 1/29 1/30 2/2 2/5

Fox Away Mill Creek Away Central High Away Maysville Home Wanette Away Empire Home Wanette Home Conference Tournament Turner Away Paoli (Homecoming) Home Stephens Co. Tourney Away Springer Home Thackerville Home Ryan (Senior Night) Home Ninnekah Away Rush Springs Away Elmore City-Pernell Away

The Bray-Doyle Donkeys take on the Marlow Outlaws during the first round of the Stephens County Tournament last year in Velma-Alma. This year’s County Tournament will take place in Comanche.

Good Luck Bray-Doyle! Have a great season!

403 W. Main, Marlow •

580-658-3077

THE BRAY-DOYLE

DONK EYS LADY DONKEYS TO USE NEW COACH’S EXPERIENCE FOR SUCCESS

STORY BY ANDY MORPHEW

ylee Birdwell (Sparks) proved a pivotal basketball player for the Central High Lady Bronchos. She’s now in her second season at Bray-Doyle High School, but this time she will take on the role as the new Lady Donkeys basketball coach. Birdwell, the softball coach for BrayDoyle, now takes over the basketball position heading into 2023-2024 season. She will see one returning starter who saw varsity action a year ago. Morgan Pass, the returning player, will work with a group of six freshmen who will get their first set of varsity action under the new basketball coach at Bray-Doyle High School. Those six freshmen include Baylee Menie, Jaymee Abney, Reagan Whitney, Heidi Justus, Sadie Melton and Hailey Whitfield, who will join under the leadership of Pass and Birdwell. Bray-Doyle had one win last year under the previous head coach. For the new coach, Birdwell hopes to see a passion for basketball from the athletes and for the players to give the most effort night in and night out for the Lady Donkeys. “I want a group of girls who love the game of basketball and wants to get out on the court and give it 110% at all times. I prioritize player development over win-loss records in the belief this paves the way to lasting success,” Birdwell said. “I want my team to be coachable and continue to grow and get better each day. With this comes success.” The Bray-Doyle Lady Donkeys had the earliest start of any of the Stephens County schools for the regular season and played host to Wilson right before 52

“It would be great to see our team develop a winning strategy, execute it on the court and achieve success. We are working extremely hard this season and I’m ready to see my girls in action.” - Kylee Birdwell Bray-Doyle Girls Basketball Coach the Thanksgiving break. With the early start under the Lady Donkeys’ belt, expectations for Birdwell will continue to include working together as a team. She’s excited to see the team in action in the early part of the season. “I want to have a strong and cohesive team that works together toward our goals. I want my players to give their best effort, improve their skills, and play with passion and sportsmanship,” Birdwell said. “It would be great to see our team develop a winning strategy, execute it on the court and achieve success. We are working extremely hard this season and I’m ready to see my girls in action.” The 2023-2024 season for the Lady Donkeys began at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at home against Wilson High School. The season continues on the road for three straight games after the Thanksgiving break and will see competitors like Fox, Mill Creek and Stephens County rival, Central High.

STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

THE LINE UP NO.

NAME

GRADE

Baylee Menie

Ashlynn Abney

Kaydance Y’Barbo 10

Sadie Melton

Jaymee Abney

Reagan Whitney

Heidi Justus

Reagan Davidson

Kylie Chappell

Hailey Whitfield

Morgan Pass

Head Coach: Kylee Birdwell (Sparks)

ON THE SCHEDULE Date

Opponent

Location

11/27

Fox

Away

11/28

Mill Creek

Away

12/1

Central High

Away

12/5

Maysville

Home

12/8

Wanette

Away

12/15

Empire

Home

1/2

Wanette

Home

1/4-5

Conference Tournament

1/9

Turner

Away

1/12

Paoli (Homecoming) Home

1/17-20

Stephens Co. Tourney Away

1/23

Springer

Home

1/26

Thackerville

Home

1/29

Ryan (Senior Night) Home

1/30

Ninnekah

Away

2/2

Rush Springs

Away

2/5

Elmore City-Pernell Away

The Bray-Doyle Lady Donkeys compete in their first scrimmage of the 2023-2024 campaign against Ninnekah.

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Marlow

Empire

Comanche Bronchos

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Indians

Bulldogs

Outlaws

THE

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STEPHENS COUNTY BASKETBALL GUIDE | 2023

TEAMWORK Coming together is a beginning beginning.. Keeping together is progress progress.. Working together is success success..