The Edmond Santa Fe boys’ basketball team is coming off an incredible run to the state semifinals last season, but they have little to show for it. The Wolves were hit hard by graduation, and will turn things over to a cast of talented young players this year.
While the team may lack experience, head coach Shawn Schenk liked what he saw from the group in the offseason.
“We had a really good summer with these young guys, and they showed that they had the ability to be pretty good, but it’s totally different when you start playing games that matter,” Schenk said.
The Wolves lost several potent scorers from a year ago, but Schenk does not anticipate much of a drop-off on offense.
“Any one of our guys can go off, and I think if we’re unselfish, we can be dangerous,” Schenk said. “We have the ability to be a good shooting team.”
The team’s top returning players will be Drew Hall and Jordan Murell.
Hall saw time as a starter last year, and will be key piece this year. Schenk said he’s been impressed with the junior’s athleticism, and ability to lead.
“He just does everything for us,” Schenk said. “He’s an unbelievable leader, he gets guys in the right spots, leads by example and uses his voice when necessary. He’s just the total package.”
Murell should also find his way into the starting lineup. The senior is one of the team’s best shooter, and put in lot of work on his defense this offseason.
The Wolves’ most talented player may be guard Corey Martin.
“He’s probably our most athletic player and best offensive player,” Schenk said about the junior, who will miss the early part of the year. “He’s quick, he can jump out of the gym, he can shoot, he’s just been unstoppable in practice, and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Down low the Wolves will look to senior Chris Jones and Jordan Crouch. While Jones (6-4) is a bit undersized in the post, he’s a very capable scorer and rebounder.
Schenk is also looking for big things from their sixth man, sophomore guard/forward, Josh Richardson.
“He’s athletic, can block shots, can really finish and he’s been shooting the ball from three as well,” Schenk said. “We haven’t had a big guard in a while, so he can fill that role for us.”
The Wolves open this season tonight when they host Stillwater. The girls are set to tip-off at 6 p.m., with the boys’ game to follow.
Sports
Wolves look to regroup
- Sports
-
-
Bulldogs, Lady 'Dogs win in Norman
Faced with its last opportunity of the regular season to pull off an upset, Norman High came up just short against Class 6A’s second-ranked Edmond Memorial on Friday. The Bulldogs used a second-half Tiger scoring drought to pull away and then hold on for the 59-54 victory.
-
Santa Fe girls stay perfect vs. Patriots
The Edmond Santa Fe Lady Wolves turned a 18-6 first-quarter run into a 66-31 victory over the Putnam City West Lady Patriots Friday night in Oklahoma City to remain undefeated for the season.
-
Wolves fall to Putnam City West
The Edmond Santa Fe Wolves basketball team gave up 11 points in the final period against the Putnam City West Patriots and dropped their second straight contest 40-35 in Oklahoma City Friday night.
-
Deer Creek trims Bluejays' wings
Despite sinking only one basket in the fourth quarter against rival Guthrie Friday night, the Deer Creek Antlers came away with a 43-39 win over the Bluejays.
-
OCA teams split vs. Agra
The Oklahoma Christian Academy teams split their games against Agra Friday night in the District tournament.
-
Memorial heads into dual state on win streak
The Edmond Memorial wrestling team got two duals wins this week, one on senior night.
All three of the Bulldog seniors got wins by fall on Tuesday, when the team honored their graduating players. Ry Huff won at 220 pounds, Zach Bradshaw at 182 and Derek Hackett at 160. -
Memorial track teams win HS Invitational at OU
The Edmond Memorial track and field teams won the Oklahoma High School Invitational at the University of Oklahoma on Friday.
-
Lady Antlers top rival Guthrie
The Deer Creek girls used a balanced scoring attack and solid early defense to defeat rival Guthrie Friday night.
-
Cowgirls hold off Texas Tech
Tiffany Bias scored 10 points — four of them coming on free throws in the final minute — as Oklahoma State held off Texas Tech 53-49 on Wednesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
-
Eagles, Lady Eagles win at Carney
The Oklahoma Christian Academy teams won at Carney Tuesday night.
- More Sports Headlines
-
