TYANN STACY-OKTAHA
Oktaha junior Tyann Stacy is hoping that the 2025 basketball season is the one that will see the Lady Tigers break through the ceiling of the area basketball playoffs and move on to play at state.
“I think our experience of playing together for so many years will really be an advantage for us this year and maybe surprise some people along the way,” said Stacy who also plays softball for Oktaha.
“I really like playing basketball better because I’ve played it a little longer and I’m not real talented in softball-I really just like being able to play with my friends.”
After going 23-6 in the previous two years, the Lady Tigers “slipped” to 18-10 last year and were eliminated in the opening round of the area tournament. Part of the reason was just the inexperience factor, as most of the starters were freshmen or sophomores and maybe part of it was the loss of Tyann to injury part of the season. The area tournament has been an all-to-familiar stopping point for Oktaha the past several years, making it as far as the area finals in 2023 before being eliminated with a second loss to Howe. But with four starters back this year, the Lady Tigers, while still young, have a valuable year of experience under their belt. Tyann’s basketball background started early when she started playing travel ball in the first grade.
“Mia (Scott’s) mom started a team, and we played AAU play until the fourth grade and then I joined another team. Travel ball really gives you kind of a different perspective and playing basketball year-round really helps you improve quickly.”
Even though the Lady Tigers have a couple of seniors on the team that will provide leadership, Tyann and some of her junior teammates are also moving more into a leadership role.
“I think an important part of leadership is being able to talk to the underclassmen and show them how to do things instead of just expecting them to know what to do as underclassmen,” said Stacy.
Tyann will be a key to the success for Oktaha this year according to coach Kia Holmes.
“Tyann is a great shooter and really good at getting to the basket. We need her to have a good season for us to be successful this year.”
In addition to athletics, Tyann is also involved in FCA and FFA at Oktaha where her dad is the ag teacher.
“I show sheep, cattle grade and do some speeches but showing sheep is what I like to do best. FFA really takes up most of my spare time when I’m not in sports.”
One of the most memorable games for Tyann was last year when the Lady Tigers faced Calera-then ranked ninth in the state.
“They had beaten us by like 25 at our place and then we went down and beat them at their place. I didn’t really have a lot of points in that game but as point guard I did have a lot of good assists.”
Tyann looks at long-time assistant coach Lynda Bacon as a role model for her play.
“She was a good basketball player in high school, and she can still bring it in practice sometimes,” Tyann laughed.
The 2025 season is one of hope for the Lady Tigers but even if things don’t fall their way, most of them will be back for another run next year.
