TRAYLIN REED-MHS

This year has been one of adjustment for the Muskogee Rougher basketball team under new coach Lenny Bert. And one of those players making that adjustment has been junior Traylin Reed. At 6-3, Reed has the size needed to be a successful basketball player and Bert says he’s slowly getting there.

“I think he’s becoming a solid three-level scorer,” said the new coach. “He’s probably our most consistent shooter from the 3-point area and is really improving with his mid-range shot off the dribble which I’d like to see him shoot more. He still needs to improve on finishing around the rim to be a more complete offensive player. On defense, he’s improving on denying the ball in our man-to-man set up and with his length I think he’ll continue to get better. With just a few games left in the regular season, we need him to continue to score the ball, defend, and cut down on turnovers while being aggressive and confident.”

Growing up, Traylin had an aunt who was a good player and his older brother Braylin who made him want to play and his “pa pa” who he says has always pushed him to be a better person on and off the court. Being the little brother growing up he says has had its difficulties.

“I remember Braylin and I were playing one-on-one and pa-pa was watching. Braylin spotted me a 20-point lead. I didn’t score any more and he came all the way back and beat me and I got mad and we ended up fighting in the road,” chuckled Traylin.

Although this season has had its ups and downs, Traylin does have one special game he remembers.

“I had my best game ever against Norman North earlier this year when I scored 31 points,” said Reed. “It hasn’t been a great year so far, but coach Bert has taught us a lot and even now I feel like we could come alive at the end of the season and have a good playoff run.”

Traylin will absorb what he’s learned from the new coach in the off season and plans to play AAU ball to get ready for next year.