Coach: Michael Maples
23-24 Record: 20-7
OUTLOOK
After a 20-win season, head coach Michael Maples takes over a young team after spending last season as an assistant coach at Carl Albert High School. Coach Maples said he is looking forward to watching this team mature and grow.
“We will be a very young team this season. We graduated six seniors off of last season’s team and are only returning one girl that has varsity experience. We also have an entirely new coaching staff. This season will be a year for our young but very athletic and talented group to gain valuable varsity experience,” said Maples.
Blakely Bounds (5-9, So.) is the player returning with experience coach Maples refers to. Bounds is an excellent shooter who has the size to play forward, and the skill set to play guard.
“Blakely had an amazing summer leading the team in score and rebounding in team camps and worked all summer in open gyms to improve her game,” said coach Maples.
Amber Richards (5-6, Jr.) could be a big contributor this season despite not having a ton of varsity experience. Called a “pure shooter,” Richards has the size and skills to be a solid player for the Lady Lions. Also look for Brailey Langston (5-4, Fr.), an incoming underclassman who plays bigger than her 5-foot-4 frame. Langston is one of the defensive leaders for the Lady Lions.
Other players to watch include Paeton Heron (5-7, So.) at forward, Lily Wilson (5-0, Jr.) at guard, Brooke Wilkins (5-7, So.) at forward, Alley Wilson (5-5, So.) at guard, Allison Wilds (5-8, Fr.) at forward, Brooklyn Baldwin (5-8, Jr.) at forward, Peyton Wilkins (5-6, So.) at forward, and Malia Vigil (5-4, So.) at guard.
Paeton Heron brings a strong work ethic to the floor and is poised for a big year, while Lily Wilson makes her return to basketball providing a spark to the Luther program and giving coach Maples another player he can plug in. Wilson is a vocal leader and a hard worker according to Maples.
