JOE GREEN
Keys Cougars
Written by Byron Beers
Keys junior Joe Green will look to make a big impact for the Cougars in 2024-25 under first-year head coach Ron Dunaway.
Green, who was highly productive as a sophomore, averaging 10.7 points, four rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and helped guide the Cougars to a 20-6 overall mark under former head coach Greg Barnes, wants nothing short of a Class 3A State Tournament appearance this season.
“My main goal for basketball this year is to make it to the state tournament,” Green said. “I’m looking forward to progressing with my teammates and the competition I have with myself. I hope to increase my stats from the previous years.”
“He can score from anywhere on the floor, he’s quick, he can jump, and he’s an all-around solid player,” Dunaway said.
The 6-foot-2 combo guard, who has been invited to play for Team Oklahoma in Atlanta, has made vast improvements since a year ago and has become a team leader. He helped spark the Cougars to nine and seven-game win streaks last season.
“I feel like I’ve improved all around in skills, maturity, team work, and leadership,” Green said. “My ability to motivate my team and keep their head in the game, and I’ve gotten a lot better at dribbling and increased my vertical over the summer.”
Green picked up much of his basketball knowledge from his older sister, Jonia Walker, who was a standout forward at Tahlequah Sequoyah. She’s played a key role in his development and is his biggest influence.
“Watching her play high school basketball and win MVP and back-to-back state championships has always influenced me and challenged me to be better,” he said.
Green has hopes of continuing his playing career on the collegiate level when he’s done leading Keys.
“I would like to play college basketball and hope to receive offers over the next two years,” he said.
