By Bryce McKinnis
Basketball is far more than a hobby or game for players like El Reno High School senior Kason Haydon.
“My dad [Rodney Haydon] has been the head coach here since I was born,” Haydon said. “Since I opened my eyes, I’ve had a ball around.”
His older cousin, Callon Haydon, played at the University of Central Oklahoma and now serves the Bronchos’ program as Director of Player Development.
“Cal was probably one of the guys I looked up to the most growing up, just his work ethic and the way he played,” Haydon said. “I think our family definitely bonds over basketball, but also, it consumes so much of what we do, it’s good to get a break sometimes.”
When it’s time for that break, you can bet Haydon’s spending quality time with his friends and family, but the tragedy of losing one of his best friends last summer shook his world. Ramon Gomez Jr. died July 7th, 2024 at 17 years old.
“The pain of that was something that is unexplainable. I’m not sure how I would’ve ever gotten through that with my parents and the people closest to me,” Haydon said. “We have a very close group of about six, so the way all of us came together and grieved together was a blessing.”
Haydon and the Indians rallied around a common purpose last winter: to win as many games and advance as far as possible in honor of Gomez’s memory. The Indians broke their way into the 5A state tournament as Haydon averaged 11 points per game with three 20-plus outings on 43% from the 3-point line.
“I’ve always loved basketball, but whenever Ramon passed, that became my ‘why,’ 100%. Everything I do is for him in some way,” Haydon said. “I feel like he’d be so proud of me with how far I’ve come, but he also knew what my goals were with basketball, so he’d tell me there’s still work to be done.”
Haydon’s basketball dreams include playing at the collegiate level, possibly farther, and establishing relationships in basketball that help him transition into a career in coaching or basketball administration.
