POCOLA INDIANS
Coach: Derek Barlow
23-24 Record: 23-2
The Pocola Indians are coming off an impressive 28-2 record in the 2023 season and are poised to remain a dominant force in the upcoming year. Despite losing three seniors from last year’s squad, the Indians bring back a strong and experienced core complemented by talented newcomers. Head coach Derek Barlow is optimistic about the team’s potential after a productive summer. “We had a great summer playing a very tough schedule and we believe that that experience will pay off during the upcoming season,” said Barlow.
Leading the charge for Pocola is senior forward Dakotah Terrell (6-9, Sr.), a versatile player who averaged 19.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last season. Terrell’s combination of athleticism and skill makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. He has drawn interest from multiple colleges in both basketball and football, and the Indians will rely on his leadership on both ends of the court. Senior Anthony Lyons-Jerrell (6-1, Sr.) also returns as a key contributor, averaging 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game last year. Known for his ability to create mismatches, Lyons-Jerrell will play an essential role in the team’s success. Junior guard Brayden Hardwick (5-10, Jr.) is another player to watch, coming off a season where he posted 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
A notable addition to the roster is junior guard Heustin Stroops (6-5, Jr.), a transfer who made an immediate impact over the summer. Stroops brings scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking to the table, and his long wingspan will bolster the team’s defensive efforts.
Underclassman Romeo Gordon (6-3, Fr.), a freshman guard, is another name to keep an eye on. With a massive wingspan and impressive work ethic, Gordon is expected to contribute immediately while developing into a key player for the future.
The Indians’ depth will also come from players like senior guard Cash Jerrell (6-3, Sr.), junior forward DaQuayne Terrell (6-4, Jr.), and sophomore forward Jaseir Posey (6-0, So.), all of whom are ready to step into larger roles this season.
With a combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Pocola Indians are set to make another deep run.
Roster
Dakotah Terrell (6-9, 223, Sr., F)
Anthony Lyons-Jerrell (6-1, 205, Sr., F)
Brayden Hardwick (5-10, 168, Jr., G)
Heustin Stroops (6-5, 175, Jr., G)
Logan Dunigan (5-10, 150, Jr., G)
Ty Jerrell (6-0, 180, So., G)
Chris Pugh (6-0, 180, Sr., F)
Cash Jerrell (6-3, 162, Sr., G)
DaQuayne Terrell (6-4, 150, Jr., G)
Romeo Gordon (6-3, 175, Fr., G)
Jaseir Posey (6-0, 200, So., F)
Jaxtyn Beaver (6-0, 170, So., G)
Johnnye Clayton (5-9, 135, Fr., G)
Brady Jones (5-10, 170, Fr., G)