GIRLS

Coach: Gary Kennemer

22-23 Record: 24-5

After compiling a 44-10 record over the last two years but faltering a little when playoffs rolled around, third year coach Gary Kennemer plans to change things up a little this year with all of his starters returning. “We’ve beefed up our schedule this year to challenge us a little more and get us ready for the playoffs. We are very athletic with good speed but not much size.

With all of our starters back plus a couple of freshmen that I think will help us we’re hoping to move out of the area tournament and on to state this year.” Senior leadership will be provided by Maddie Gaxiola (5-5) who is also a talented runner will probably run track and cross country in college somewhere next year and Addy Bean (5-8). “Addy is a solid defensive player who can defend on the perimeter or in the paint,” said Kennemer. “She doesn’t have big stats,but she is one of the most solid players I have ever coached. She doesn’t make mistakes and always plays within herself.” Another of the returning starters is Raven Deer (5-11, Jr.). “Raven is a big presence inside who averaged 10 points, 11 rebounds, 2.0 steals and a block per game last season. She can run and is very athletic and strong. The more she plays, the better she gets,” said Kennemer. Other juniors back on the court for the Panthers are Elaine Berryhill (5-5), Emma Dodson (5-5), and Meranda Switch (5-6). “Meranda can score from all levels, is a good defender and ball handler who may be able to play small college basketball somewhere,” said Kennemer. Underclassmen to watch this season for Okemah will be sophomore Jasmine Harjoe (5-10) along with freshmen Kodie Speir and Meranda’s little sister Savanah Switch (5-4) who can score inside and outside and will provide some depth to this team trying to break through to the next level in 2023.