BOYS 

Coach: Eric Hardison 

20-21 Record: 7-14 

There are a lot of factors that go into completing a season and multiple actions that can create challenges for any coach. For Atoka head coach Eric Hardison, graduation is one hurdle his team must clear coming into the new year. “We graduated a large part of our team last year,” said coach Hardison. “We also lost most of our scoring as well, so we are looking for our younger players to step up and fill those roles.” One player to watch this season is Eli Eaves (6-2, Jr.). Eaves will play a hybrid guard position where he averaged 17 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game last year. He is a consistent player and looks to continue that trend into this season. Cooper Hardison (6-3, Jr.) is another hybrid type player who has worked hard on his outside game. He is a good low post defender and has a chance at being a big piece of the puzzle this season. Peyton Holland (6-4, Sr.) will patrol the paint for the Wampus Cats and is looking to have a breakout season. Creed Viethause (6-2, Jr.) has worked hard through the summer and has improved on both ends of the floor. Jace Jackson (5-9, Jr.) will bring toughness and aggressive defensive play to the court. Also look for Kollin Ritchie (6-1, Jr.) and Andrew McCall (6-0, Jr.) to be major contributors this season. Cam Carroll (5-9, Jr.) is relentless on defense and has the ability to get to the rim. Another player to watch is LJ Lafever, an underclassman who coach Hardison expects good things from this season. 

GIRLS

Coach: Wesley Burnett

20-21 Record: 1-18

The Lady ‘Cats return the majority of its team and will begin the season with a “healthy” outlook resulting from the experience gained last year while injuries sideline several players. Hannah Vanderburg (5-3, Jr.) returns to the point guard spot while Jodi Moore (5-6, Sr.) who averaged 8.4 points per game will join forces with Kyleigh Ritchie (5-10, So.) who coach Wesley Burnett describes as strong and athletic. Emily Gardner (5-2, Sr.) and Emma Hardison (5-10, Fr.) solidify the lineup along with Anna Ritter. “We return most of our roster, a group that is more experienced with several players getting game time experience last season,” said Burnett, now in his fifth year at Atoka.