VIAN WOLVERINES READY TO “HOOP IT UP”
BOYS
Coach: John Mays
23-24 Record: 8-15
The Vian Wolverines enter the 2024 basketball season with high expectations after losing only one senior from last year’s team. Head coach John Mays is optimistic about the team’s potential, emphasizing the value of the experience gained during the previous season.
Leading the way for the Wolverines is junior guard Masyn Wright (6-0, Jr.), a versatile player who averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game last season. Wright can play inside or outside, excelling on both offense and defense, and consistently works hard to improve. Senior guard Jacob Brannick (5-10, Sr.), who averaged 3.0 assists and 2-plus steals per game, is another key contributor, known for his defensive tenacity and relentless work ethic. Junior forward Trace Sanders (6-1, Jr.) is an indispensable part of the team, doing the “dirty work” that helps the Wolverines succeed. He averaged 6.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and is praised by coach Mays for his ability to rebound and handle the little things that lead to victories. Fellow junior Brayden Rodriguez (6-1, Jr.) also plays a pivotal role, contributing 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as a reliable presence in the paint.
Senior forward Dante Glass (6-3) adds size and rebounding to the lineup, while senior forward Cash Collins (6-1) provides depth with averages of 3.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Additional contributors include seniors Kyle King (6-1), Marcus Armstrong (5-9), and Ethan Pollock (5-10), along with juniors Cash Trammell (6-1), Michael Polecat (5-8), and sophomore Ethan Bullock (5-9, So.). Underclassmen Braxton Drake (5-9, So.), Rylan Lane (5-7, Fr.), Jeremiah Marshall (5-9, Fr.) and Zane Polecat (5-7, Fr.) will challenge team members to improve day-to-day.
GIRLS
Coach: Athena McCoy
23-24 Record: 3-21
The Lady Wolverines look to turn things around in the upcoming season with a focus on defensive intensity and team development. Head coach Athena McCoy enters is season optimistic about the growth of her team citing the return of four starters and the promise of valuable contributions from underclassmen. “I’m looking for my team to be aggressive on the defensive end of the court,” said McCoy. “We’ve put in a lot of work in the preseason and I’m excited to see how it translates on the court. We have four returning starters and I’m expecting valuable playing time from a couple of my underclassmen as well.”
Among this year’s leaders will be senior forward Avery Wright (5-8, Sr.), who has been a consistent presence on both ends of the floor joined by seniors Rebel Simon (5-7), Kala Gibbins (5-3), and Kalli Kennedy, all of whom bring leadership and skill to the lineup.
McCoy will also rely on junior guards Jaiden Soap (5-6) and Halli Russell (5-4) a returning starter who led Vian in scoring last season as well as junior posts Rayleigh Terrell and Kiah Richardson,to provide depth and versatility. Sophomore guards Aliyah Tucker and Eden Girty along with forward Shelbie Glass have shown promise in preseason practices and will play significant roles. Freshmen guards Brooklyn Cox, Blazi Dieter, and Katie Reason, as well as forwards LaKoeta Cheater and Emry Smith add a youthful spark to the roster. Freshman post players Bostyn Rodgers and Emry Smith are expected to contribute inside presence and rebounding.
VIAN FOOTBALL SWEEPS POST SEASON HONORS
On the heels of a 13-1 season and a 2A-II state runner-up campaign, nine Wolverines were recognized as player of the year at their position as well as seven seniors named first team All-District including Garritt Hunt, Cash Trammel, Tyson Murphy, Max Ross, Adoff Stahl, Trace Sanders and Kaden Fullbright.
2AII-District 4 Players of the Year
MVP – Masyn Wright
Running Back – Draighton Fletcher
Wide Receiver – Jacob Brannick
Offensive Lineman – Cash Collins
Tight End – Tristan Wiley
Co-Defensive Linemen – Nate Cheater & Peyton Johnson
Lineback – Riley Ellis
Special Teams – Mikayah Mendoza
