Darin Miles is a busy athlete at Okmulgee High School. 

Miles plays running back and defensive back for the Bulldog football team, runs the 100-meter sprint and relays in the spring for the track team, and this time of year you can find him on the basketball court where he’s in his fourth year as a varsity player.

“I probably like basketball the best out of all of those,” said Miles. “I think you have a better chance to show yourself off than you do in football.”

First-year basketball head coach Cordell Love has high hopes for this senior performer. 

“I’ve got high expectations of him this year,” said Love. “He’s a very talented and versatile player who can play any of the five spots on the floor if need be. He currently is averaging about eight points a game and leads the team in assists.”

As a senior, Miles and his coach both have their eye on his leadership abilities.

“He really leads by example,” said Love. “But if he’s talking to you on the floor, it’s probably because you were out of line or didn’t do your job.”

Miles has his own take on what he thinks helps make a good leader.

“A good leader gets everybody involved and on track and doing what they’re supposed to,” he said.

Miles is high on what he sees from a new coach this year.

“I like what coach Love does. He really pushes us a lot to do better,” he said.

Both Love and Miles are optimistic about where this basketball season will take them.

“I think if we stay healthy and eligible, we can make it to state,” Love said. “Right now, we play good defense, we have pretty good depth and a good mix of experience and youth.”

Miles has a more player-oriented outlook on the season.

“I think we’ll have a good year if we show up to practice and really push ourselves,” he said.

Miles says he would like to play college football or basketball if the opportunity presents itself.