MUSKOGEE ROUGHERS

BOYS

Coach: Lou Dawkins

22-23 Record: 3-26

Growing Pains…learning lessons the hard way should produce much different results this season as Lou Dawkins welcomes a more experienced lineup in his second year as head coach. “Our first season together was a learning experience for the entire program in which the Roughers realized in order to compete at a high level we must train and play year around,” said Dawkins “In year two, we are expecting a much-improved team with an improved mindset.” VYPE Top 100 candidate Javian Webber (6-2, Jr.) returns after a sophomore campaign where he averaged 15.3 points per contest to pace the Roughers scoring and will reunite with the “big man in the middle” Deon Wilkerson (6-7, Sr.) who is fully recovered from a broken wrist that sidelined him for his junior season. “Javian’s success as a sophomore has given him the drive to raise his performance on both ends of the floor,” said the Roughers head coach. “Deon is a mid-major prospect who can score inside and out plus he’s a strong rebounder that has the ability to initiate the fast break.” 

The perimeter scoring and ball handling will fall into the responsibilities of a solid guards unit including Bryce Thornton (6-2, Sr.) who added 8.1 points per game playing alongside Edward “E-J” James (6-2, Sr.) who contributed a 7.0 point average as well as the playmaking talents of Jamarian Ficklin (6-2, Jr.) who will play a variety of positions to make the best of his skills. “I am counting the guard position for leadership along with aggressive rebounding and a consistent 3-point scoring,” said Dawkins. “I also believe we have one of the best young backcourts in the area with Kelan Payne (5-10, So.) Jace Parker (5-10, Fr.), and Traylin Reed (6-1, Fr.) rapidly improving everyday.” Zion Dedmon (6-4, Jr.) gives Muskogee added bench strength plus Dawkins should also get an additional boost in depth, size and playmaking after the football season ends when Kayden McGee (6-2, Sr.), Jamie Beasley (6-2, So.), Wesley Harvey (6-8, Sr.) step on the court at Rougher Village. “When all the pieces come together, we have the opportunity to become a winning program,” said Dawkins.