TAHLEQUAH BASKETBALL
After building a reputation as a team that makes deep playoff runs, the Lady Tigers of Tahlequah stumbled a bit last year as they went 8-14. But with four starters from that team returning this year, coach David Qualls is optimistic that things will turn back in a positive direction in 2025.
“I felt like our team had a strong summer and with the valuable experience that our starters gained I’m hoping that will carry over this winter,” said Qualls.
The sparkplug for the Lady Tigers will be Carsyn Gilbert (5-8, Sr.) who averaged 13.4 points and nearly six rebounds per game last year.
“Carsyn has logged a lot of minutes for us since her freshman year at Tahlequah and this year those minutes will go up even more,” said Qualls. “She was our leading scorer last year and can play just about any position on the court. She made 32 three-pointers last year and shot 73 percent from the free throw line. She will be counted on once again to be a major force for us on offense.”
Lakyn Adams (5-6, Jr.) averaged just over 11 points a game for Tahlequah while Lauren Stephens (6-0, Sr.) tossed in an average of 8.5 points and nearly nine rebounds a game in 2024. Another returning starter is Haley “Moe” Wilson (5-5, Sr.) who Qualls calls the ultimate team player.
“She’s always up to taking on the tough assignments such as guarding the other team’s best player. She’s improved each year and is a fantastic teammate,” said Qualls.
Raylee McCarter (5-11, So.) made her mark as a freshman last year and Qualls expects her to have an even greater impact this year.
“Raylee played in every game last year as a freshman and this season her minutes will only go up. She can score from the post at 5-11, she can score face up from mid-range and has worked hard on improving her 3-point shot. She will only get better with experience.”
The boys lost six seniors to graduation, so they’ll be young and relatively inexperienced this year. Sophomore guard Jett Morrison will be called on to carry more of the load this year after starting all but two games last year as a freshman.
“Jett has a high motor and can do a lot of good things for us this year,” said coach Matt Qualls. The Tigers will have strong leadership for a youthful looking team led by seniors Rylan Kimble (6-1) and Kingston Hall (6-3) as well as juniors Aydenn Johnson (6-2) and Kale Dobbins (6-0) with freshmen Jevon Dick (6-1) and Duke Dobbins (6-2) looking to get playing time.
