GIRLS
Coach: Mariah White
22-23 Record: 11-14
The experienced Eagles will bring back four starters from last year’s team. “We will still be young,” head coach Mariah White said, “but our girls gained a lot of experience last year. We’re expecting returners to produce more for us this year and continue to grow.” Shelby Thornton (6-3, Jr.), the team’s starting center and second-leading returning scorer who averaged nearly a double-double on 9.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last year, will be a focal point for the Eagles on both ends of the floor this year. “She’s [Thornton] a 6-2, 6-3 post who has a high ceiling,” White said.
“She currently has one offer from Oklahoma Christian University and is expected to be our centerpiece this year.” Courtnie McCarroll (5-5, So.), a dynamic left guard, will be the leader in the backcourt for the Eagles. She earned All-Suburban Conference honorable mention a year ago. “She’s a lefty guard who has the ability to finish through contact. She averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds as a freshman.” Deraya Collier (5-8, Jr.) is expected to play a significant role in her team’s success for her play and contributions to the team’s culture. “She [Collier] does the little things right,” White said. “Great character athlete. Shows up for everything and gives 110% every day.” Like McCarroll, point guard Danyel Cox (5-2, So.) earned conference honorable mention as only a sophomore and will look to service the Lady Eagles again with her skills this year. The Lady Eagles will open against Guymon Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. The Lady Eagles will play in the Bishop Kelley Tournament on Dec. 7-9, the Bartlesville Invitational on Jan. 4-6 and the Carl Albert Tournament on Jan. 18-20.