BOYS
Coach: Cody Carlisle
22-22 Record: 21-6
After suffering both playoff losses by a combined five point total keeping the Bulldogs away from the Big House last March, there’s an added grit and determination to avoid the unnecessary detours this season and make a deep playoff run. The on-court experience is deep again this year with a trio of returning starters including three-year starter Rustin Coffey (6-5, G, Sr.) who averaged 18 points per game while earning MC-6 Player of the Year honors a year ago reuniting with Case Carlisle (6-4, F, Sr.) who delivers points in the paint as well as from the perimeter and Michael Tuck (6-0, G, Jr.) whose defensive skills match up against the opponents’ best player. “Rustin is like having a coach on the floor who delivers in the clutch,” explained head coach Cody Carlisle. “
Case has been a difference maker since his freshman season and Michael defines the meaning of “Bulldog” with his defense. The Valliant coach will call upon Kenny Golston (6-1, P, Fr.) for size and strength on the front line while guards Jay Frost (5-9, G, Sr.), Joseph DePriest (5-10, G, Sr.), Brody Dorries (6-0, G, Fr.), Davion Hankins (5-11, G, So.) and Daytona Endsley add to the depth and talents on the floor. Valliant will get an added boost of basketball talents after the holiday break with the addition of Clancy Trapp (5-10, G/F, Jr.).
Competition in the Idabel Winter Classic, Tushka and MC-6 Conference tournaments will set the stage for Valliant prior to the OSSAA playoffs. “The experience factor is a plus for us to start the season and the skills of the younger players will develop as the schedule rolls into the new year to give us the opportunity to get even better,” said Carlisle, now in his fifth year on the bench.