EL RENO INDIANS
Coach: RODNEY HAYDON
2024-25 Record: 25-4
OUTLOOK
El Reno boys basketball has grown accustomed to spending March inside the big gyms and that expectation has not changed. Coming off another state tournament run and a 25-win season, the Indians are reloading rather than rebuilding as they prepare for a new year on the hardwood. Only one starter is back, but the standard remains high, and the rotation is filled with players who have already felt the pace and pressure of varsity basketball.
Senior guard and forward Kason Haydon (6-3) is the obvious starting point. The lone returning starter from last year, Haydon knocked down better than 40 percent of his shots from beyond the three-point line and averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while often guarding multiple spots on the floor. After a strong summer on the travel circuit, he steps into the clear go to role, the player El Reno trusts when a possession has to end with a quality shot or a smart decision.
Around him the roster is full of hungry veterans ready for more minutes. Fellow seniors Gabe Osburn (6-0) and Bradley Island (5-7) both provided valuable sparks off the bench last winter. Osburn scored a little more than 4.0 points per game and showed he can get downhill or space to the arc. Island averaged just under four points but, more importantly, has logged important minutes at point guard and can stretch defenses with deep range while organizing the offense. Junior Jacob Nichols (6-0) is another name to circle. Nichols averaged almost 3.0 points a night, he is an explosive athlete who can change a game at either end and is a strong candidate for a breakout season as his role expands.
The Indians also get a boost from size and length in the frontcourt. Hezakiya Satepauhoodle brings a 6-foot six frame to the paint after a full year learning the system at the junior varsity level and will be asked to protect the rim and finish around the basket. Senior James Thompson adds depth inside, while versatile sophomores Kobe Little and Leo Willis push the tempo and bring fresh energy off the bench. With that blend of shooting, quickness and developing size, head coach Rodney Haydon has options to play fast or grind out possessions depending on the matchup.
