EL RENO LADY INDIANS
Coach: JENNIFER DOUGLAS
2024-25 Record: 25-4
OUTLOOK
Two gold balls in two seasons have cemented El Reno girls basketball as one of the elite programs in the state. The Lady Indians now chase a remarkable three peat, but they will do it with a roster that looks very different on paper. Graduation stripped away a large chunk of the scoring and experience from those title teams, yet head coach Jennifer Douglas sees plenty of reasons to believe this group can keep the standard right where it has been.
Seniors Eryn Roman Nose (6-1, Sr.) and Juliana Thomas (5-2, Sr.) are the experienced anchors. Roman Nose has waited patiently behind star upperclassmen in past seasons but still averaged four points and nearly four rebounds while impacting the game with length and mobility. The staff expects the offense to flow through her this winter as she runs the floor, attacks the rim and stretches her range further from the basket. Thomas returns at point guard after averaging just over three points, nearly two steals and solid assist numbers.
Around that senior duo is a deep class of returners who understand what winning basketball looks like. Layni Wright (5-7, Sr.) brings toughness in the forward spot and has been praised for her work ethic and leadership. Delilah Sandoval (5-7, Sr.) adds another steady guard who can rebound and defend on the perimeter. Mya Robles (5-5, Sr.) and Halli Ferguson (5-7, Jr.) give the backcourt more depth, while Sasha Elledge (5-8, Jr.) and others provide shooting and defensive versatility across the wing positions.
Perhaps the most intriguing piece is freshman point guard Jaida Richardson (5-4), who already balances varsity volleyball and basketball. She has impressed the staff with her poise and vision, pushing the ball ahead in transition, seeing passing angles and getting to the free throw line. Despite her 5-foot-4 frame she rebounds well for her size and loves to grab a defensive board then start the break herself. With Richardson joining Thomas in the backcourt, El Reno can keep the tempo high and keep pressure on defenses for four quarters.
As always, the Lady Indians will lean on aggressive defense, constant pressure and quick strikes in transition. They will mix coverages, turn teams over and trust their depth to wear opponents down. The faces may change, but the expectations have not shifted. This group fully intends to keep the championship conversation running through El Reno.
