Coach: Dirk Walden
21-22 Record: 16-11
The growl coming from the Tigers cage continues grow louder as the start of the basketball season approaches near with the return of an athletic group of players to the basketball court this year. The inside-outside combination of Preston Holmes (5-11, G, Sr.) who delivered a consistent scoring threat averaging 17 points per game while AJ Fisher (6-5, F, Sr.) protected the paint while grabbing 10 rebounds and delivering 9.5 points per contest last season.
“Preston is as good of a point guard as I’ve coached. He’s a player with a high basketball IQ who can distribute the ball as well as score,” replied Oktaha coach Dirk Walden. “AJ is more than just a good rebounder. He plays with a high energy level and his work ethic and commitment to the team success makes him a key figure for our success this year.”
After transferring from Fort Gibson, Grant Edwards (5-11, G, Sr.) averaged 8.6 points before missing most of last season due to injury will return and provide another challenge for opponents to defend against his ability to score along with Hunter Dearman (6-3, G/F, Sr.) who averaged 9.0 points as a junior and Dylan Walden (5-11, G, Sr.) whose three point accuracy averaged 40 percent last year.
“We’ve got a good nucleus of returning players that value hard work and what’s required to win,” replied Walden. A trio of underclassmen will add to the depth of playmakers on this year’s roster including Alfred Taylor (6-2, F, Jr.), Tyler Roby (5-10, G, So.) and Braxton Casey (5-7, G, So.).
