Coach: Lou Dawkins
The Roughers advanced to the Class 6A area tournament finals last season, one step short of their goal to make the final eight teams chasing the gold ball. With a new coach, Lou Dawkins taking the reins and inheriting a young group, Muskogee will take an altered path toward the same destination by season’s end. “We will be aggressive at both ends of the court, especially on the defensive end. When we bring defensive tenacity and passion that will keep us competing for 32 minutes and at the end come out victorious,” said Dawkins.
Leading the early season charge will be Bryce Thornton (6-2, G, Jr.) who the Roughers coach credits for his offseason efforts to be an impact player. “He is a big body strong guard that has the ability to post and finish strong at the rim through traffic and shoot the three.”
The Roughers will have a big inside presence with Deon Wilkerson (6-7, F, Jr.) who has the ability to secure the defensive rebound, initiate the fast break in open court as well as produce points in the paint.
Javian Webber (6-2, G/F, So.) will give Muskogee a consistent shooting touch from the perimeter as well as drive and score on the bounce with Xavier Boyd (6-1, G, Sr.) as the lone senior this year.
Muskogee will get a boost of athleticism and playmakers from the football roster including Kayden McGee (6-1, G, Jr.), Jamarian Ficklin (6-1, G, So.), Martell Bolden (6-1, G, Jr.) for play on the edge along with adding to the physicality inside bolstered by Teon Brewer (6-5, F, Jr.), Wesley Harvey (6-8, F, Jr.) along with Anthony Watson (6-2, F, Jr.).
The Roughers will look forward to the start of 2023 before opening the all-new home court, Rougher Village.
