GIRLS

Coach: David Qualls

22-23 Record: 22-4

Tahlequah returns all five of its starters, including one of the best duos in the state in forwards Kori Rainwater and Jadyn Buttery, from a team that reached the Class 5A State Tournament a year ago. Rainwater (6-0, F, Sr.) and Buttery (5-11, G/F, Sr.), along with Madi Matthews (5-5, G, Sr.), are each VYPE Top 100 nominees for the Tigers, who went 22-4 last season under head coach David Qualls. 

Buttery, who is committed to Northeastern State, led the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game as a junior before missing the final 13 games with a knee injury. Buttery gives Tahlequah extreme versatility with her ability to play at any position on the floor. Rainwater, an Air Force Academy commit, averaged a double-double last year at 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds. Matthews will lead the backcourt after averaging 13.7 points a year ago as a first-year starter. “Madi is one of the best competitors I have coached,” Qualls said. “She plays physical and hard every time she’s out on the court. She shows up every day and works to get better and is one of the most improved players from freshman to senior year that I have coached.” Paisley Qualls (5-6, G), Jersey Retzloff (5-8, F) and TalynDick (5-3, G) are also back and will provide both experience and senior leadership. Qualls has battled the injury bug for much of her high school career, including two ACL injuries. She is expected to return around Christmas. She averaged 3.8 points as a junior. Retzloff, who averaged 4.1 points per contest last season, can do a lot of things from the forward position and had a 13-point performance against El Reno in the state quarterfinals last season. “Jersey is a physical player that continues to improve on her offensive game,” David Qualls said. “She is a quality screener and rebounder who also led the team in charges taken last season.” Carsyn Gilbert is a sophomore guard that gained valuable experience as a freshman. “Carsyn picked up significant experience late in the season last year due to injuries. She is a good shooter who continues to get better every day,” David Qualls said.