BOYS

Coach: Jeff Oliver

After taking a trip to the Class 3A state tournament and getting a little taste of that atmosphere, the Eufaula Ironheads return three solid starters from that team that are hungry to go further in 2022. Alex Parish (6-3, Sr.), who averaged 16 points and nearly five rebounds a game last season will be one of the three senior leaders of this team. “Alex is a pure shooter with great strength and he’s developing a high court IQ that should help him lead us and earn that college scholarship to the next level,” said head coach Jeff Oliver. The muscle man out front for the Ironheads is Khelil Deere (5-11, Sr.) who averaged 9.5 points and four rebounds a game in 2021. He is also a DI football prospect whose return to the court will have to wait until the Ironhead football team is done with him. The third player back is Justis James (6-1, Sr.) who averaged just over seven points a game last season.

“He may become our ‘quiet assassin’ this year after gaining some much-needed strength during the off season,” said Oliver. The real question for Eufaula may be who else will step up to help these three. Jake Parish (6-1, Jr.) played sparingly last season. Johnny Burton (6-3, Sr.) and Riley Morgan (6-2, Jr.) played mostly junior varsity. And there’s move-in Talon Weaver (6-1, Fr.) in whom Oliver sees potential despite his youth. “We are excited after a very productive summer league and our off-season turnout in the weight room,” said Oliver. “We are looking forward to another shot at the Class 3A state tournament.”

GIRLS

Coach: Nick Yarbrough

20-21 Record: 5-9

The Lady Ironheads return one key component from last year’s team to build around for the upcoming season. Point guard Allie Anderson (5-6, So.) had a breakout year as a freshman and was the team’s leading scorer. “This will be her second year of starting and running the point for our team. She’s improved a lot from her freshman season, and she really makes our team go,” said new head coach Nick Yarbrough whose hiring gives a break to Jeff Oliver who coached both the boys and girls for some time. Yarbrough will call on several other girls who saw differing amounts of playing experience last year to step up and be a strong support cast for Anderson. One of those that will probably get a starting nod this year is Mykah Osborne (5-11, Sr.) who is likely slotted for the post position. Other seniors who might have an inside track are McKenzie Crawley (5-7), Kylie Diaz (5-6), Olivia Howard (5-8) and Adison McLaughlin (5-8). Yarbrough is also hoping for contributions from sophomores Jordas McClish (5-7) who he calls a very versatile talent who can play any position 1-4, Avery Williams (5-4), who is learning the ropes at point guard and Kambry Williams (5-4). “We return a starter and several players from last year that played a significant amount of time,” said Yarbrough. “We look to build on that experience and have a better season this year.”