Enid High School has a new basketball coach this year with a new vision for the program, and with the new vision, he hopes a new level of success. “I’m really looking forward to this season,” Coach Jonathan Reed said, “we have started to change the culture, and hopefully that turns into more wins on the Court.”
Coach Reed has coached at several different levels of basketball from high school to the pros, and is most well-known around Enid as the Team Market Owner of the Enid Outlaws professional basketball team. “The Outlaws came out of the work I have done as the owner of “On Point Hoops” a development program for guys out of high school to get to college or the pros. I’ve also coached at Piedmont, Western Heights, Central Florida College (Jr. College) and in Ireland, so I have a good idea of what kind of system I’d like us to run here in Enid.” Coach Reed said.
Before they even hit the practice court, Coach Reed emphasized that he wanted a certain culture and attitude for his team, both on and off the court. “We, as coaches, are going to hold these young men accountable every day. I am excited that every coach of ours but one is in the building teaching, so we see these guys every day. We are visible and making sure they are taking care of their business so they stay eligible, one, and to develop them as young men EHS can be proud of. Doing things the right way off the court turns into success on the court.”
As far as his plans on the court, Coach Reed said “I got to know a lot of the players and their games over the summer. We did a team camp at Oklahoma Christian and while we didn’t win all our games we were competitive, and it gave me a good idea of what we were going to be working with. We are going to start with a tough man-to-man defense first, which leads to offense. On offense, we will push when we are able, but pull back and run our half-court offense if a good play isn’t there. Our offense is equal opportunity and free-flowing. I want them to pass the ball and take open shots. Our strength will probably be in transition and in the paint. We are still looking for some consistency and someone to really step up shooting the ball from distance so we can stretch the floor a bit.”
While the team does have some returning players, Coach Reed predicted there could be some new faces. “Right now I am really impressed with our Power Forward Tre Davis (Sophomore) and Center Evante Warren (Senior). They are kids that really like to bang around and should be really good around the rim. Junior Guard Ayden Iverson is another guy that has stood out. He’s an explosive guard that shares the ball and plays hard. He’s got a developing shot, that is just getting better. I’m also excited about Junior Brandon Sears. He’s really put in the work over the summer and had a great preseason and a great attitude. We are still figuring it out, but he will play a role for us this year.”
With the newcomers and the guys Reed has returning, this year’s basketball team has some lofty goals. They are excited to put on a show for Enid.
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