OKMULGEE LADY BULLDOGS
COACH: Bobby Nealy
Record: 2-17
OUTLOOK
The Okmulgee Lady Bulldogs enter the new season with a fresh identity, a new head coach, and a roster loaded with youth and potential. In his first year at the helm, head coach Bobby Nealy is guiding a group that looks vastly different from a season ago—something he embraces as the team works to rebuild its foundation. “We will have fairly a brand-new team from what was here last year. We will be young, athletic led by our sophomore class,” Nealy said.
A large portion of the Lady Bulldogs’ roster consists of freshmen and sophomores eager to prove themselves. Leading that young core is a group of sophomores who are expected to set the tone: Arabella West (5-4, So.), Tiah Harjo (5-6, So.), Kyndal Smith (5-6, So.), Destinee Monteque (5-7, So.), Alice Wise (5-8, So.), and Jadrianna Franklin (5-6, So.). Their length, quickness, and energy give Okmulgee versatility across multiple positions.
The freshman class will also play a significant role immediately, bringing athleticism and competitive spirit to the lineup. That group includes Zykia Orr (5-4, Fr.), Kemri Penn (5-7, Fr.), Kayonna Proctor (5-9, Fr.), Kyra Harjo (5-4, Fr.), and Gairdyn Ellis (5-6, Fr.). With several capable scorers and strong defenders in the mix, this young unit adds depth and creates options for Nealy as the team grows into its system.
Okmulgee also benefits from experienced upperclassmen who provide needed leadership. Senior Trainece Jefferson (5-10, Sr.) anchors the frontcourt with size and maturity, while juniors Kennedy Penn (5-7, Jr.) and Zariah Wilson (5-7, Jr.) add strength and physicality at the forward spots.
While the roster may be young, Nealy emphasizes that effort and commitment are already setting this team apart. “This year’s team has a totally different look — only one returning starter and a lot of new faces mostly freshmen and sophomores. Having a new coach and learning a new system you would think they would be overwhelmed, but they have worked extremely hard this preseason to make it known that Lady Bulldog basketball will bounce back to winning and being very competitive.”
With an energized roster, a strong sophomore class, and a coach determined to reestablish a winning culture, the Lady Bulldogs enter the 2025-26 season hungry to take major steps forward.
