Norman Winter Prep Sports Preview

Winter Prep Sports Preview

BY:JOSH HELMER

After a fall that featured both Norman High and Norman North making the 6A-1 football playoffs and a Timberwolves squad that reached the state tournament in volleyball, Norman Public Schools fans are now gearing up for an exciting winter.

Between the hardwood and the wrestling mat, there should be plenty of reasons to head to the gymnasium over the winter months. Here’s a look at what the respective basketball coaches and wrestling coaches think of their teams heading into the season.

NORMAN HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL

Cory Cole’s first season at the helm netted an 11-15 finish, a big jump from the 2-18 finish in the 2020-21 season. He and the Tigers are hoping this year’s campaign features a similar leap forward.

“I’m excited about this group and year two back at NHS,” Cole said. “We have experience along with depth at some key positions. I’ve been pleased with the commitment that they have put in this summer individually and we are poised to compete this year.”

Norman features returning starters Caison Cole, Trashaun Combs-Pierce and Matt Willenborg. The Tigers are expecting contributions as well from guards Tony Jefferson and Beau Billingsley as well as Marquis Combs-Pierce, Isaiah Amous and Landon Miller.

NORMAN NORTH BOYS BASKETBALL

Norman North finished 17-9 last season and advanced to the state tournament. This year, Timberwolves head coach Kellen McCoy will be retooling the roster a bit.

“We have guys ready to prove themselves,” McCoy said. “They have been working hard and have had great energy and togetherness.”

Senior guards Nate Lancaster and Ben Moser are returning starters.

“Nate has started for three years, has lots of experience and is ready to step into a bigger role this year as a playmaker,” McCoy said. “Ben Moser brings us energy, playmaking and scoring as well as an aggressive toughness to our defense.”

Other players to watch include seniors Maddox Hamilton, Garrett Goodwin, Carter Carbonell, Greg Worth and Josh Inordee. Sophomores Owen Eshelman, Hezikiah Green and Rylan Phillips along with junior Noah Jones will be contributors, too.

NORMAN HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL

In head coach Frankie Parks’ first season atop the helm, the Tigers finished 19-8. Norman is looking to regain a little of that State tournament magic from recent seasons and has a talented group.

Norman hopes its group of 12 seniors—10 players and a pair of managers—provide some veteran leadership. Beyond that, the personnel and attack will look a little different compared to years past.

“Definitely a different dynamic for us,” Parks said. “We’ve always been very guard heavy, and this year it’s a little different. We’ve got a few bigs that are going to pay some dividends as the season goes on, so we’re really excited to see what those girls are able to bring to the table this year along with our dynamic guard play.”

A trio of post players will help lead the way. That group includes Arkansas Tech signee Jordyn Rollins, move-in Kayla Jones and Nessa Begay. Point guard Keely Parks is also regarded as a highly rated 2025 recruit and will be counted upon to deliver in the Tigers’ backcourt.

NORMAN NORTH GIRLS BASKETBALL

Al Beal and the Timberwolves are hoping that the lumps they took a season ago are going to pay off in a big way. Norman North finished just 4-17, but they return several key contributors in Houston Christian signee Hannah Fields, Audrey Tucker, Avery Robins and Whitney Wollenburg. North also added a pair of talented transfers in former Norman Tigers Seleh Harmon and Olivia Watkins.

“Last year was basically a reset situation for us. These kids got hammered last year and never once quit,” Beal said. “The difficult games that we went through, I just think that’s better prepared them this year to be a little bit hungrier.”

Beal thought his team would be greatly improved offensively and the scrimmage season has shown that.

“I’ve really been impressed with the way we have shot the ball and the way we’ve shared the ball collectively,” Beal said. “The girls are really playing for each other, which, as a coach, is something that you really want to see because it’s very encouraging. There are no attitudes or selfish play whatsoever.”