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Norman North Timberwolves Basketball – presented by Landers Auto
- Updated: December 12, 2017
BOYS
Bryan Merritt
16-17 Record: 19-6
Norman North graduated a two-time Mr. Basketball Oklahoma player, but head coach Bryan Merritt expects his seniors to step up this season and fill that void.
“We must have good leadership from our seniors to be successful after losing Trae Young. We can shoot well, but we must rebound and defend to win,” said coach Merritt.
Jalen Crutchfield (6-4, Sr.) is one of three returning starters off last year’s team. Crutchfield will start at guard with Drake Stoops (5-11, Sr.) and Juwan White (6-2, Sr.). All three players can shoot the rock and run the floor. Shemar Smith (6-6, Jr.) draws the trench work at forward/center. Smith has to get it done on the boards this season for the Timberwolves. Brandis Fender (6-0, Sr.) could be that spark on defense coach Merritt is looking for this season. Cole Robertson (5-10, Sr.) and Peyton Vinyard (5-11, Jr.) are great options for the 6th man role. Other players to look for include Josh Robinson (6-4, Jr.), Josh Crutchfield (6-4, Jr.), Ian Bell (6-0, Jr.), Colton Castleberry (5-10, Sr.) and Ryan Rasnic (6-0, Sr.). No changes to the coaching staff that features Jake Rudd, Billy Barnard and Bruce Peterson.
GIRLS
Rory Hamilton
16-17 Record: 17-10
Last season Norman North made big strides toward becoming one of the top teams in the class as head coach Rory Hamilton won 17 games, getting the most out of the team down the stretch.
“After losing in the consolation finals in the Class 6A state playoffs a year ago, the T-Wolves look to rebuild this season after graduating six seniors. We will be young and inexperienced at times but hope to improve as the season progresses and play their best basketball heading into the playoffs,” said coach Peeler.
Jacie Evans (5-8, Jr.) and Lindsey Waters (5-6, Sr.) are two talented guards that can keep this team in any game. Evans averaged 10.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals, while Waters accounted for 7.0 points and 3.0 assist last season. Another dynamic duo for the T-Wolves is Emma Base (5-10, Jr.) and Jessika Evans (6-0, So.). Both are solid players in the paint. Base averaged 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds with Evans scoring 2.7 points and grabbing 2.0 rebounds per contest. Kayton Kite (5-5, So.) is a young guard with tremendous potential. Also look for Chloe Jones (5-9, Sr.) to find her way into the game early. Other players to watch include Monica McCombs (5-10, Jr.), Ashton Seratte (5-6, So,) Keely Chapman (5-7, Sr.), Jayda Whitley (5-6, Fr.) and Geraldine Udo (5-7, Jr.). The coaching staff includes Al Beal and Carol Testa.
The statewide basketball issue is chalk full of class breakdowns, All-VYPE preseason honors and the ever-important VYPE Top 100. This year’s edition of the Basketball Preview will have team capsules and breakdowns as well. They are now available online for advance-copy purchase by clicking the cover above. They will also be available in selected retailers around the state.
Click the cover above to order and we will put in the mail today!
