After a 2022-23 season that saw the Enid High School Plainsmen Basketball Team win 10 games for the first time since 2009-10, this year’s team is off to a similar start at 3-3 as of the writing of this article. According to second-year Head Coach Jonathan Reed, last year’s team fought through challenges to reach their 10-win goal for the year. “Last year we were a young team, and we were learning a new system and way to play since it was my first year as head coach,” said Reed. “We had to really fight to get them to change their mentality to one that they knew they could be competitive and win some of these games, or at least be competitive when in the past they might have gotten blown out.”
And win they did. Although losing in the first round of the playoffs, wasn’t really what they had in mind, the 11-win season they had at least met their lofty expectations. This year, they are aiming even higher – to win some games in the playoffs and make the State tournament. “We were really young last year, but this year, with a year under our belts and knowing expectations, we have a real shot to make the tournament,” said Reed. “This team is full of fighters, and we don’t back down. They are playing hard and have bought into the system. Even when we have been down by 10 or more points, we have found a way to fight back and get back into the game.”
When asked about the strengths of the team, Reed raved about their defensive toughness, and ability to force the other team into tough shots and creating turnovers but stressed the need for the team to get better at taking care of the ball, and shooting the ball more consistently from 3 point range.
“We have a lot of good players,” Reed said, “but a few really stand out. Jaryn Porter is a Senior guard, who does it all. He usually guards the best perimeter player; he can bring it up the floor when he needs to and can pass and shoot with the best of them. His ability to also run the offense has opened up opportunities for our other players as well, such as Junior Point Guard Jonathan Reed. Jonathan has been shooting great lately, and that’s because Jaryn has been able to get the ball to him in good places. Jonathan has a high basketball IQ, can control the tempo and can score at all three levels (post, midrange, 3P). And we all know Tre Davis is a great player too. As a 6-8 center, he led the state in blocked shots last year and is leading the state again this year. He is dominant down low and draws double teams which gives the other guys opportunities as well. I’m really happy he has been able to extend his game to the perimeter as well.”
Lastly, Reed has been really impressed with the atmosphere at the home games so far this year. “Until we had another school event at the same time, it has really been rocking. We hope to have that all year,” he said. While the season is still young, their goals are still in front of them, and they would love for you to come cheer them on!
