Team Preview: Choctaw (6A)
Two years ago, the Choctaw Yellowjackets were still searching for their first win after Winter Break. Last season, they improved to 13-11. Coach Jermaine Simpson expects that number to improve even more in 2021. “It’s definitely going to be an…
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Continue ReadingTwo years ago, the Choctaw Yellowjackets were still searching for their first win after Winter Break. Last season, they improved to 13-11.
Coach Jermaine Simpson expects that number to improve even more in 2021.
“It’s definitely going to be an exciting year for us,” Simpson said, “I think we’re definitely changing the curve of Choctaw from what it’s been known.”
“I don’t care how good of a coach you are, you’ve gotta have players,” Simpson said. “These guys have bought into the extra work, to the unseen hours, doing stuff the right way.”
Simpson credited his players.
Production will start for the YellowJackets with their three-headed senior monster, LJ Gurley LJ Gurley 5'10" | PG Choctaw | 2021 State OK , Sean Franklin Sean Franklin 6'4" | SF Choctaw | 2021 State OK and Oklahoma-City commit Raul Nunez Raul Nunez 6'4" | CG Choctaw | 2021 State OK .
“Those three obviously are going to be head-hunting it,” Simpson said.
Gurley led the YellowJackets in scoring, steals and assists en route to a first-team All-Big-10 first-team selection.
“And he was probably second in rebounds,” Simpson added.
Franklin, who has had an exceptional off-season, has matured offensively after earning second-team honors as a junior.
Perhaps the most improved YellowJacket, however, is Nunez, a crafty combo guard with power and speed.
“Raul’s a bright spot,” Simpson said. “He’s worked his tail off this summer.”
Also returning is Jordan Mukes, a Sooners-commit at defensive back who saw significant minutes during his junior year. Once he returns from the gridiron, Simpson said, his athletic talents will be of heavy utility for Choctaw.
Elijah Wilder, a 6-foot-6-inch wing, is also a standout on the football field, as he recently earned his first Division-I offer from New Mexico State. The senior will see an expanded role on the hard-wood, Simpson said.
“We’ve got a really solid group that’s returning,” Simpson said. “They all got playing time last year, and some of those guys are starting to get looks as far as college coaches. . . I have high expectations for them for sure.”
With whom locals may not be acquainted, however, is the freshman duo of guard Ja’Mon Valentine and forward Isaiah Taylor.
“Both of those guys are going to get a lot of playing time,” Simpson said. “Both are starting to get some Division-I interests.”
Simpson said he is confident that opposing teams will be alerted to their presence soon.
Also inflating his role will be Robert Gambill, a multi-talented junior forward.
“Pick-and-pop, finishing at the rim, about 6-6, can shoot it really well,” Simpson said, “he’s a kid that’s going to play a lot for us.”