BLANCHARD LIONS
BOYS
Coach: Jeff Word
23-24 Record: 21-8
OUTLOOK
After making the 4A state tournament last year and securing 21 wins, the Lions are trending upwards for the 2024-25 season. “[We have] three returning starters from last year’s 21-8 4A state quarterfinals team,” Blanchard boys head coach Jeff Word said. “If we can find two or three that can fill what we lost and stay healthy, we have a chance to make a deep run.” Point guard Jaxon Oliver (5-4, Jr.) will facilitate Blanchard’s offense when the Lions open the season Dec. 3 at North Rock Creek. He averaged 9 points, four assists and two steals per game as a sophomore. “[Oliver is] one of the best point guards in 4A,” Word said. “A lockdown defender on the ball, had over 20 player control fouls guarding the ball-handler last year. Always guarded a team’s best offensive players. Small in size, plays big defensively. Runs offense really well and can hit the set 3 with good percentage when taken.” Cole Watkins (6-3, Jr.) and Emory Smalley (5-11, Jr.) will share the backcourt with Oliver. Watkins notched 8 pointers a night with five boards while Smalley contributed the same scoring with two assists and two steals. With this three-headed monster bringing back 25 points a night, the Lions are set for strong guard play. No seniors are mentioned on the team’s roster. Other juniors include forwards Dayton Mullins (6-3), Ryan Rodgers (6-3), Andrew Minton (6-3) and Brian Russell (5-11) and guards Brady Cook (5-5) and Isaiah Holley-Gates (5-7). Sophomores include guards Jaxon Ford (5-7), Logan Pavey (6-0), Leander Ludvicek (5-8), Kyler Staats (6-0) and Isak Price (5-10) and bigs Carston Heffernan (6-4) and Dominick Olson (6-0). One freshman, guard Jackson Gee (6-2), is listed on the roster. The Lions host their first home game against Tuttle on Dec. 10. The Lions will play in the Bethel Tournament (Dec. 12-14), the Noble Tournament (Jan. 9-11) and the Bridge Creek Tournament (Jan. 23-25) this season. The postseason is scheduled to start Feb. 21-22 with the district tournament.
