The evaluation of talent is an ongoing task for new Bulldog coach Cordell Love since many of his returning players are just coming in from the football team. “From what I understand we’ll have six or seven kids back that either started or saw lots of playing time last year. And from what I know, if everything plays out the way I hope it will, I feel we have a good chance of going to state this year.” Leading the charge will be senior Darius Miles who was also a featured running back in football. “He’ll be our alpha dog on the court,” said Love. “He can do it all.” Okmulgee will be hard to compete against in the paint with center Calip Harjo (6-4, 300) in the way. “He’s another football player who already has some D-II offers in hand. On the court he does the little things that I love.

He’s very physical and I think he can hold down the paint. If he gets the ball down low you can pretty much count on him scoring,” said Love. Another big body for the bulldogs will be Trey Swan (6-2, 250) while senior Keith Talton will return at point guard. Love is also counting on some help from a couple of freshmen in Nolan Yates who was the quarterback on the gridiron and Malakhi Baccus (6-1, Fr.) who Love describes as a good ball handler and great shooter.