Basketball coaches highlight Lions meeting

Kingfisher High School’s two basketball head coaches were the guest speakers recently at the Kingfisher Lions Club. Taylor Young, center, is set to begin her first year at the helm of the girls program. The Lady Jackets were 14-9 a year ago and advanced to the 4A area tournament. She said this year’s team is comprised of a solid mix of experienced seniors, talented underclassmen and yet another big contributor returning from injury after missing last season. The Lady Jackets will play in the Cleveland Invitational in early December, the Mustang Holiday Classic in late December and then Kingfisher’s own Buckle of the Wheatbelt in late January. Jared Reese, left, has no starters back from last year’s state championship team. He said while this year’s group may not feature a superstar, he does expect to “surprise some people.” Reese said he has about 10 players who are all about equal in talent, giving him the luxury of trying to wear down other teams. “We’re going to play fast,” he said. “At least we want to. We’ll see how it goes early with that and see if we need to change things.” Kingfisher’s boys also play in the Cleveland and Kingfisher tournaments and will also play in the Wheat Capital Tournament in early January. The coaches are pictured with Lions Club member Doug Hauser. [KT&FP Staff Photo]