LaPoynor’s Cooper Gracey goes up for a shot against Grapeland March 1 at Tyler Legacy High School.

The high school boys basketball season is here. Here is a look at Tyler area teams heading into the 2022-23 season. Information was provided by the coaches.

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TYLER LEGACY RED RAIDERS

Coach: Kevin Walker (3rd year at Legacy, 21-33)

Assistant coaches: Devin McIlwain, CJ Williams, Brandon Rougely and Greg Knight

District: 10-6A (Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Mesquite, Mesquite Horn, North Forney, Royse City)

2021-22 record: 1-29

Returning varsity players: Nick Vasso, 6-3, Sr., guard (10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) … Cayden Callier, 6-1, Sr., guard/forward (6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) … Xavier Smith, 5-9, Sr., guard (2.0 points, 2.0 rbeounds, 2.0 assists) … Jayden Jones, 6-3, Soph., guard (6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds) … Jadin Hambrick, 6-6, Jr., forward (5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) … Luke Anderson, 6-7, Jr., forward (2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Ja’Ciran Oes, 6-4, Soph., forward … Tyler Henry, 5-7, Soph., guard … Jayln Miles, 5-7, Fr., guard … JP Rainder, 6-2, Soph., forward

Additional comments: “We are excited about this season and all the pieces that we have. We have a good mix of some experience and leadership from our older guys combined with a lot of talent with our sophomores and one freshman. These guys are working really hard, pushing each other and overall, just excited to experience success this year.” — Walker

Did you know: Williams played collegiate basketball at Hill College and Stephen F. Austin … The lone win for the Red Raiders last season was a 50-49 victory over Whitehouse in overtime.

TYLER LIONS

Coach: Justin Johnson (2nd year at Tyler, 19-14)

Assistant coaches: David Sanders, Vernon Johnson and Warren Perry

District: 15-5A (Hallsville, Longview, Pine Tree, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Texas High, Whitehouse)

2021-22 record: 19-14

Returning varsity players: TaCorey Gilliam, 5-11, Sr., guard … Shakavon “Tank” Brooks, 5-10, Sr., guard … Ashad Walker, 6-2, Sr., guard … Marquette Mosley, 5-10, Sr., guard … Marquette Martin, 5-10, Jr., guard … Montrell Wade, 6-3, Sr., forward

Notable newcomers: Da’Marius McGowen, 5-10, Sr., guard … Jace Sanford, 6-4, Jr., forward … La’Marcus Lamb, 6-3, Jr. … Julian Dews, 6-5, Jr., forward … Jaishua Brown, 6-3, Soph.

Did you know: Wade is a Boston College commit for football.

WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS

Coach: Michael Ostlund (2nd year at Whitehouse, 5-25; 45-52 overall in high school)

Assistant coaches: Trevor Granberry and Colby Campbell

District: (Hallsville, Longview, Pine Tree, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Texas High, Tyler)

2021-22 record: 5-25

Returning varsity players: DeCarlton Wilson, 6-1, Sr., guard (13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists) … Keller Smith, 6-0, Sr., guard (10.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists) … Bryson Hawkins, 6-0, Sr., guard (8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists) … Isaac Lacy, 6-4, Sr., forward … Iven Lacy, 6-0, Jr., forward … Dylan Acker, 6-5, Jr., forward … Caedmon Humphrey, 6-3, Jr., forward

Additional comments: “I am very optimistic about this Whitehouse team. The overall offseason improvement as a result of individual dedication and work I believe will pay off when our season starts. We have a good group of senior guards that now have a lot of varsity experience. We will also have several underclassmen that will be making major contributions to our team’s success this year as well. Our skill level, maturity and experience are all improved from a year ago so hopefully that will translate into more wins and a significant move up in the district standings.” — Ostlund

Did you know: Ostlund has also coached at the collegiate level.

CANTON EAGLES

Coach: Justin Burk (5th year at Canton)

Assistant coaches: Justin Huff, Wesley Pollet and Dylan Scott

District: 16-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Cumberland Academy, Lindale, Mabank, Van)

2021-22 record: 29-10

Returning varsity players: Chantson Prox, 6-0, Sr., guard … Layne Etheridge, 6-5, Sr., guard … Jaxon Rhyne, 6-5, Sr., post … Red Baldwin, 6-0, Sr., guard … Cason Bell, 6-0, Sr., guard

Notable newcomers: Gabe Axtens, 6-1, Sr., guard … Garrett Walker, 6-5, Jr., guard … Jaden Pickerill, 6-4, Soph., guard/post

Additional comments: “The team should rely on defense and ball movement like always. “ — Burk

CUMBERLAND ACADEMY KNIGHTS

Coach: Brandon Boyce (1st year at Cumberland)

Assistant coach: Elijah Burwell

District: 16-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Lindale, Mabank, Van)

2021-22 record: 7-24

Returning varsity players: Jeremiah Whitmore, 5-9, Jr., guard (16.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds) … Owen Shockey, 5-9, Sr., guard (11.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds) … Isaiah Harden, 6-8, Sr., forward/guard (12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists) … Jordan Ervin, 5-11, Sr., guard (6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists) … Ronnie Jones, 5-11, Sr., guard (8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists)

Notable newcomers: Braxton Davis, 5-10, Jr., guard … Cedrick Granberry, 5-10, Jr., guard … Josiah Jordan, 6-0, Sr., guard … Kennedy Fields, 6-0, Sr., guard … CJ Shaw, 6-2, Sr., forward/guard … Matthew Campbell, 6-4, Sr., forward/guard

Did you know: Boyce was an assistant coach at Cumberland Academy in the 2019-20 season.

LINDALE EAGLES

Coach: Chris Grotemat (6th season at Lindale, 101-64; 268-183 overall)

Assistant coaches: Cedeno Clark, Will Shawn and Ashley Dukes

District: 16-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Canton, Cumberland Academy, Mabank, Van)

2021-22 record: 23-13

Returning varsity players: Ryder Johnson, 6-3, Sr., guard (8.5 points, 5.3 rebounds) … Cole Collinsworth, 6-1, guard (4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists) … Amare Baptiste, 6-2, forward (3.7 points, 2.0 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Connor McClendon, 6-3, Jr., forward … Carson Plunkett, 5-11, Jr., forward … Carter Davis, 5-9, guard

Additional comments: “We will have a selfless, team-first approach on offense, a team full of guys who love to share the ball. Our team has lots of first-year players and returners stepping into expanded roles, so growing pains are not unexpected, especially early.” — Grotemat

CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS

Coach: Akimba “AJ” Johnson (4th year at Chapel Hill, 63-25; 82-60 overall)

Assistant coaches: DeAundre Hill, Anthony Timms and Josh McDowell

District: 17-4A (Carthage, Center, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Spring Hill)

2021-22 record: 20-10

Returning varsity players: Tyson Berry, 5-8, Sr., point guard (14.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.4 steals) … Demetrius Brisbon, 6-1, Soph., guard (15.9 points, 2.0 steals) … Adrian Mumphrey, 6-5, Sr., guard (10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds … Keviyan Huddleston, 6-6, Sr., center (8.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) … Jayvin Mayfield, 6-1, Jr., guard (11.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.7 steals)

Notable newcomers: Trevor Brooks, 5-11, Soph., guard … Cameron Kelley, 6-7, Jr., guard/forward … Emery Crayton, 5-8, Sr., guard … Kendall Allen, 6-5, Jr., center

Additional comments: “This team has the ability to be special. They locked into the process all spring/summer and you should see another fun group from the Bulldogs this season. Overcoming adversity will be the key to success.” — Johnson

Did you know: In Johnson’s first year at Chapel Hill and Berry’s freshman season, the Bulldogs advanced to the Class 4A Region II Tournament.

BULLARD PANTHERS

Coach: Dean Nuckolls (2nd year at Bullard, 28-6; 411-119 overall)

Assistant coaches: Jeremy Lee and Don Gibson

District: 18-4A (Palestine, Hudson, Jacksonville, Madisonville, Rusk)

2021-22 record: 28-6

Returning varsity players: Garrett Nuckolls, Sr. (20.0 points, 4.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds) … Jeffery Brooks, Sr. (20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds) … Owen Thompson, Sr. (8.0 points, 5.0 assists) … Drake Kress, Sr. (6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) … Colby Hanna, Jr (2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds) … Bryce Brannen, Soph. (6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds) … Layne Alexander, Soph., 6-0 points, 2.0 rebounds)

Additional comments: “We returned a lot from last year. We also have a few younger guys ready to come and play. Last season, we felt we didn’t have much depth on the bench, but we should be able to go deeper into the bench this season.” — Nuckolls

Did you know: Garrett Nuckolls has signed with Midwestern State University … Bullard, last season, won its first district title since 2008 and earned its first playoff victory since 2010.

PALESTINE WILDCATS

Coach: Dwight McCowan (1st year at Palestine)

Assistant coaches: Micah Angton, Michael Smith and Rickey Brooks

District: 18-4A (Bullard, Hudson, Jacksonville, Madisonville, Rusk)

2021-22 record: N/A

Returning varsity players: Taj’shawn Wilson, Sr. …Devin Clewis, Sr. … Carlton Wiggins, Sr. … Gerlle Abrams, Jr. … Jordan Mitchell, Jr.

Did you know: McCowan was the head boys basketball coach at Pleasant Grove.

RUSK EAGLES

Coach: Justin Tatum (1st year at Rusk)

Assistant coaches: Don Hogg and Christian Hammett

District: 18-4A (Bullard, Hudson, Jacksonville, Madisonville, Palestine)

2021-22 record: 7-22

Returning varsity players: Aiden McCown, 6-1, Sr., guard/forward … Elijah Ward, 6-0, Sr., forward … Brailen Trawick, 6-1, Sr., forward … Spencer Barnett, 5-9, Soph., guard … Cam Calhoun, 6-0, Jr., forward … Jermichael Sturns, 5-9, Soph., guard

Notable newcomers: Ayden Wick, 6-2, Soph., forward

GRACE COMMUNITY COUGARS

Coach: Eddie Francis (1st year at Grace; 338-170 overall)

Assistant coaches: Jonathan Barker and Scotty Wallace

District: TAPPS 2-5A (Dallas Bishop Dunne, Garland Brighter Horizons, Flower Mound Coram Deo, Dallas Cristo Rey, Grapevine Faith, Frisco Legacy Christian)

2021-22 record: 8-29

Returning varsity players: Kole Crawford, 6-4, Sr. (9.0 points, 8.0 rebounds) … Darius Shankle, 5-10, Sr. (13.0 points, 3.0 assists) … Cade Covington, 6-4, Sr. (6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) … Will Bozeman, 5-10, Sr. (6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds) … Drew Gaddis, 5-9, Sr. (5.0 points, 2.0 steals)

Additional comments: “With four returning starters and seven seniors on our roster, we are excited about the upcoming season. The players have bought into the new system brought in by the new coach. We expect to use our depth and athleticism to pressure opponents on defense and offense. Our uptempo style will lead to exciting games and lots of players receiving playing time. Keys to our success will be our ability to create easy baskets due to our defensive pressure, ability to score in transition and ball security.” — Francis

Did you know: Francis was previously coaching at All Saints.

ALL SAINTS TROJANS

Coach: Jon Haft (1st year at All Saints)

Assistant coaches: Tobin Reed and Jermahl Battee

District: TAPPS 2-4A (Bullard Brook Hill, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Carrollton Prince of Peace, Dallas Shelton, Dallas Covenant, Waco Vanguard College Prep)

2021-22 record: 16-12

Returning varsity players: Drew Jackson, 6-0, Sr., guard (10.1 points) … Bryce Patrick, 5-11, Sr., guard (5.5 points) … Cullen Walker, 6-4, Sr., post (18.2 points) … Mill Walters, 6-3, Sr., forward (6.4 points) … Paul Ceccoli, 5-10, Sr., guard (5.1 points) … Dawson Thames, 6-0, Sr., forward (2.0 points0

Notable newcomers: Jordan Hoover, 6-5, Sr., forward

Additional comments: “We have a lot of experience this season with six returning varsity players with three returning starters, one of which will be a four-year starter (Cullen Walker). We also are excited to have our newcomer Jordan Hoover, which helps add height and outside shooting to our roster.” — Haft

Did you know: Hoover played last season at Brownsboro … Haft has 27 years in coaching, and Reid recently retired after 42 years of coaching, most previously at New Caney Porter.

BROOK HILL GUARD

Coach: Jacob Agnew (9th year at Brook Hill, 145-84)

Assistant coach: Josiah White

District: TAPPS 2-4A (Tyler All Saints, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Carrollton Prince of Peace, Dallas Shelton, Dallas Covenant, Waco Vanguard College Prep)

2021-22 record: 27-9

Returning varsity players: Noah Langemeier, 6-0, Sr., guard (8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists) … Jakub Dluzewski, 6-4, Sr., forward (12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds) … Colton Carson, 6-0, Sr., guard (5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds) … Von Dawson, 5-9, Sr., guard (3.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists)

Notable newcomers: Xavier Kendrick, 6-0, Jr., guard … Osagie Aziebgbe, 6-4, Jr., forward … Ryder Williams, 5-10, Jr. … Beck Langemeier, 6-1, Soph. … Braxton Durrett, 5-10, Soph.

Additional comments: “We will lean heavy on our upperclassman and their experience to lead us as we look to our younger guys to step up as the season progresses.” — Agnew

BISHOP GORMAN CRUSADERS

Coach: Kevin Murray (7th year at Bishop Gorman, 71-58; 89-68 overall)

Assistant coaches: Ed Burns, Ricky Wilson and Kenney Walker

District: TAPPS 2-3A (Aliba Yavneh Academy of Dallas, Plano Coram Deo, McKinney Cornerstone Christian, Dallas Lutheran, Dallas Lakehill Prep, Gainesville Lone Star North, Lucas Christian, North Dallas Adventist

2021-22 record: 12-15

Returning varsity players: Joseph Richbourg, Jr., guard … Anthony Todd, Jr., forward … Adam Favre, Sr., forward … Ryan Richborugh, Soph., guard … Ashton Roberts, Sr., guard … Aidan Culpepper, Sr., forward

Notable newcomers: George Berry, Sr., forward … Aaron Ekwuruke, Sr., center … Salvador Valdivia, Jr., guard … Rafael Frank, Jr., forward

Additional comments: “We have much more experience this upcoming season. This team will also be pretty athletic. They have a chance to make some noise in this new district” — Murray

RAINS WILDCATS

Coach: Brandon Fields

Assistant coaches: Noble Kelley, Larry McNew and Bryan Kelley

District: 12-3A (Commerce, Edgewood, Grand Saline, Lone Oak, Paris Chisum, Pattonville Prairiland)

2021-22 record: 8-19

Returning varsity players: Jace Thompson, 5-11, Sr. … Everett Kreck, 6-3, Jr. … Nic Bowman, 6-0, Jr. … PrabhDeep Singh, 6-2, Jr. … Manny Mares, 6-2, Jr. … Cody Koch, 5-10, Jr.

Notable newcomers: Franki Payne, 5-10, Soph. … Jacb Alvarado, 5-9, Sr. … Evan Emig, 5-8, Jr.

Additional comments: “I’m excited to be the new Rains basketball coach. We have a good amount of returners and will be junior heavy and with only two seniors and one sophomore. We will shock a lot of people this year. We are athletic, long and will be uptempo. We are looking forward to getting back into the playoffs.” — Fields

MINEOLA YELLOWJACKETS

Coach: Ryan Stedman (15th year at Mineola)

Assistant coaches: Anthony McQuary and Casey Cheshier

District: 13-3A (Harmony, Winnsboro, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Mount Vernon, Quitman, Winona)

2021-22 record: 22-7

Returning varsity players: TJ Moreland, 6-0, Sr., guard (18.0 points) … Dawson Pendergrass, 6-3, Sr., post (10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds) … Xzavien Lipscomb, 5-9, Soph., point guard

Notable newcomers: Brekeilyn Martin, 5-8, Jr., guard

Additional comments: “We are looking forward to a great season. We have a lot of leadership returning. We have won four district championships in a row and are looking for No. 5.” — Steadman

Did you know: Pendergrass is a Baylor football commit.

WINNSBORO RAIDERS

Coach: Robert Payne

Assistant coaches: Casey Samuels and Ethan Rutter

District: 13-3A (Harmony, Mineola, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Mount Vernon, Quitman, Winona)

2021-22 record: 18-11

Notable newcomers: Nico Payne, 6-0, Sr., guard

Additional comments: “We have a good core, lost three starters from last year.” — Payne

Did you know: Payne led the Grapeland girls to the state tournament in 2020.

WINONA WILDCATS

Coach: Wayne Ware (1st year at Winona; 497-142 overall)

Assistant coach: Earnest Hunter

District: 13-3A (Harmony, Mineola, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Mount Vernon, Quitman, Winnsboro)

2021-22 record: 1-21

Returning varsity players: Cabron Hampton … Nathaniel Hampton … LurBryson Ross

Notable newcomers: Jesse Jones, Sr. … Datavion Williams, Fr.

Additional comments: “You can count on depth and experience, but our understanding how to win needs work.” — Ware

Did you know: Ware spent last season as the athletic director and head football, basketball and track and field coach at Fannindel.

ARP TIGERS

Coach: Brian Malone (1st year at Arp)

Assistant coach: Andrew Black

District: 16-3A (Elyisian Fields, Jefferson, West Rusk, Tatum, Troup, Waskom)

2021-22 record: N/A

Notable newcomers: Jaxon Schminkey, Fr. … Wyatt Johnson, Fr … Cornelius Pierce, Fr. … Landen Smith, Soph. … Demarcus Wade, Soph.

Additional comments: “We have to establish a defensive presence.” — Malone

Did you know: Malone was previously an assistant coach at Tatum, where the Eagles advanced to the Class 3A Region II final last season against Dallas Madison.

ELKHART ELKS

Coach: Chaston Pruitt (2nd year at Elkhart, 7-26; 64-55 overall)

Assistant coaches: Austin Jones and Darrian Kee

District: 20-3A (Mexia, Groesbeck, Teague, Fairfield, Buffalo, Westwood, Franklin)

2021-22 record: 7-26

Returning varsity players: Tristyn Tidrow, Soph. (6.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.0 blocks) … Jayden Chapman, Soph. (8.0 points, 2.0 steals) … Tyler Stafford, Sr. (7.0 points, 7.0 rebounds) … Jeb Chapin, Sr.

Notable newcomers: Colton Wilson, Sr., guard … Bryant Lipsey, Soph., post … Jaxon Rayford, Soph., guard … Jon Canaday,S r., guard … Cagan Abbas, Jr.

Additional comments: “Defense is the calling card for our team. Elkhart will be vastly improved this coming year.” — Pruitt

Did you know: Elkhart was 0-14 in district play last season.

CAYUGA WILDCATS

Coach: Colten Hearrell (1st year at Cayuga as head coach)

Assistant coach: Jacob Magee

District: 19-2A (LaPoynor, Kerens, Frankston, Cross Roads, Martin’s Mill)

2021-22 record: 12-15

Returning varsity players: Chase Hearrell, 5-9, Sr., guard … Marcus Thompson, 6-6, Sr., center … Bo Barrett, 6-3, Sr., center … Steven Wingfield, 6-0, Sr., guard … Brayden Collum, 6-4, Sr., center … Dominic Johnson, 6-2, Soph., guard

Notable newcomers: Gunnard Douglas, 6-3, Fr., guard … Cam Thompson, 6-5, Fr., center … Whit Jenkins, 6-2, Jr., guard

Additional comments: “I am extremely excited about my first year as a head coach here at Cayuga. We have a lot of size and look forward to playing a good, fundamental style of basketball. We have a group of very unselfish players who care more about helping the team win rather than their own statistics so I feel like that in itself will help us be successful.” — Hearrell

Did you know: Cayuga won a state championship in 2010.

FRANKSTON INDIANS

Coach: Scotty Albritton (6th year at Frankston, 96-61; 310, 200 overall)

Assistant coach: Will Schneider

District: 19-2A (Cayuga, Kerens, LaPoynor, Cross Roads, Martin’s Mill)

2021-22 record: 27-8

Returning varsity players: Caleb Ramsey, 5-11, Sr., point guard (11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.1 steals) … Jake Westbrook, 6-0, Soph., guard (13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists) … Kody Loebig, 6-2, Sr., guard (8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 steals) … Benton Allen, 6-2, Sr., post (7.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals) … Kason Newport, 5-10, Sr., guard (5.2 points) … Reese Hicks, 6-0, Soph., post (2.6 points, 4.2 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Ke’Aundre Barnes, 6-7, Sr., post … Kaymon Davis, 6-1, Jr., guard … Tyler Rogers, 5-10, Soph., guard … AJ Donnell, 6-1, Fr., guard … Davis Holladay, 5-10, Fr., guard

Additional comments: “We have a veteran team coming back off a regional tournament appearance. We will have some added depth this year that we have not had in the past. The foundation of team is defense. After giving up just 34.1 points per game last year, we want to continue to build on that foundation as a staple for our program. We are beefing up the schedule this year by playing several ranked 2A and 3A teams, along with playing several 3A and 4A teams in non-district and tournaments. With high expectations, we are hoping that the tougher schedule will prepare us for a tough district and the playoffs.” — Albritton

Did you know: Frankston reached the regional semifinals last season.

LAPOYNOR FLYERS

Coach: Jim Reid (2nd year at LaPoynor, 33-7; 452-386 overall)

Assistant coach: Mark Driskell

District: 19-2A (Cayuga, Kerens, Frankston, Cross Roads, Martin’s Mill)

2021-22 record: 33-7

Returning varsity players: Cooper Gracey, 6-4, Sr. (17.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.6 steals) … Dijuan Whitehead, 6-2, Sr. (15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.4 steals) … Evan Almeida, 6-0, Sr. (10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.7 steals) … Mathew Driskell, 5-10, Sr. (7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals) … Cort Reid, 6-1, Soph. (8.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals)

Notable newcomers: Jackson Young, 6-2, Jr. … Casey Ruiz, 6-0, Jr. … Daniel Scott, 6-1, Jr. … Mann Scott, 5-8, Soph.

Additional comments: “The Flyers will rely upon pressure defense and the ability to score in transition. Their experience will allow them to play a more deliberate game if necessary. The Flyers recognize the difficulty and challenge of the season, but are excited to compete for another trip to San Antonio along with the excellent teams of Region 3-2A.” Reid

Did you know: LaPoynor was a state semifinalist last season and won a state championship in 2020 … LaPoynor will compete in the Whataburger Tournament in Fort Worth, the Mavericks Fall Classic in Frisco and the Texarkana Hoopfest against Lakeview (Louisiana).

MARTIN’S MILL MUSTANGS

Coach: Greg Jenkins (1st year at Martin’s Mill; 402-126 overall)

Assistant coaches: Logan Jenkins and Tony Wood

District: 19-2A (Cayuga, Kerens, Frankston, Cross Roads, LaPoynor)

2021-22 record: 28-8

Returning varsity players: Alex Tyner, 6-4, Sr., post (15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds) … Nate Reiser, 6-2, Sr., guard (6.0 points, 4.5 rebounds) … Jak Kinder, 5-9, Soph., guard (15.0 points, 4.1 assists) … Blake Butcher, 5-9, Sr., guard (3.0 points, 4.4 rebounds) … Elliott Hilliard, 6-3, Soph., guard (3.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists)

Notable newcomers: Lane Dollar, 6-0, Sr., guard … Sawyer Moore, 5-9, Fr., guard … Kaegan Godwin, 5-10, Soph., guard … Cooper Wright, 6-0, Fr., guard … Travis Baber, 5-10, Fr., guard … Ryder Marsh, 6-4, Fr., post … Jack Milligan, 6-3, Fr., post … Isaac Jenkins, 6-2, Sr., post

Additional comments: “I am extremely excited about our depth and versatility.” — Jenkins

Did you know: Jenkins coached Cayuga to a state championship in 2010 … Jenkins’ son, Hunter, is the head men’s basketball coach at Clarendon College … Mill went to the state tournament back-to-back in 2019 and 2020. The Mustangs also went to the state tournament in 1949, 2006, 2007 and 2015.

GRAPELAND SANDIES

Coach: Tyler Terry (1st year at Grapeland)

Assistant coaches: Dederick Dixon and Trevor McCoin

District: 20-2A (Centerville, Groveton, Jewett Leon, Latexo, Lovelady)

2021-22 record: 28-11

Returning varsity players: Omarian Wiley, 6-3, Sr., forward (16.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists) … Riley Murchison, 6-4, Sr., forward (16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists) … Johnny Lamb, 6-0, Sr., guard (10.0 points)

Notable newcomers: Cole Goolsby, 5-8, Sr., guard … Tray Gilmore, 6-3, Soph., forward

Additional comments: “We are extremely excited to get this season rolling. We are returning our core guys as well as adding a few more players we didn’t have last year to the mix. We are hoping for another explosive year on the court for the Sandies.” — Terry

Did you know: Terry takes over as the head coach of the Sandies after Blake Doughty became the head basketball coach at Chaparral High School … Grapeland made it to the state championship game in 2021 and won a state title in 1985. The Sandies also went to the state tournament in 1999, 2001, 2014 and 2017.

CARLISLE INDIANS

Coach: Jerod Roland (100-91 overall)

District: 22-2A (Alto, Cushing, Douglass, Mount Enterprise, New Summerfield, Overton)

2021-22 record: 11-18

Returning varsity players: Fernando Espinoza, 5-10, Jr., guard (7.0 points, 2.2 assists, 3.2 steals) … David Deleon, 5-11, Jr., forward (10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) … Clayton Hart, 6-2, Jr., forward (4.0 points, 7.0 rebounds) … Erik Garza, 5-10, Soph., guard (6.0 points) … Alexis Hernandez, 5-6, Sr., guard (2.0 points, 2.0 steals)

Additional comments: “As for every year, I sound like a broken record, but all our success depends on making it through football fully healthy. I return four of five starters and my first man off the bench. We will still be young but I look forward to coaching my team into the playoffs.” — Roland

LANEVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

Coach: Tracy Kincade (4th year at Laneville; 300-plus wins overall)

Assistant coaches: Michelle Best, Jessica Ann and Reneisha Waggoner

District: 27-A (Apple Springs, Groveton Centerville, Kennard, Martinsville, Neches, Slocum and Wells)

2021-22 record: 21-11

Returning varsity players: DeAndre Thomas, 6-1, Sr., guard (14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists) … Jamorian Williams, 6-6, Jr., post (8.0 points, 8.0 rebounds) … Victor Hernandez, 6-0, Jr., guard (12.0 points, 3.0 assists) … Adolfo Martinez, 6-1, Jr., guard (14.0 points, 4.0 steals) … Matthew Johnson, 5-8, Soph., guard (4.0 points)

Notable newcomers: Antonio Cedillo, 5-7, Fr., guard

Additional comments: “This team is loaded with speed and size. Shooting and defense will be a strength. This will be a team to be reckoned with.” — Laneville

NECHES TIGERS

Coach: Drew Flowers (2nd year at Neches, 15-17)

District: 27-A (Apple Springs, Groveton Centerville, Kennard, Martinsville, Laneville, Slocum and Wells)

2021-22 record: 15-17

Returning varsity players: Collin Morgan (10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 55 3-pointers) … Mike Barrett (12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals) … Jonah Kincade (8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals) … Roy Barrett (8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 2.0 steals) … Karter Moore (5.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 2.0 steals) … Coby Davilla (6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal) … David Dixon (3.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 1.0 assist, 1.0 steal)

Additional comments: “We have a great group of young men who have come a long way with their skill and discipline. We are excited about this upcoming season with basically all players returning but one. We only lost one senior to graduation. The boys only had two players last season with any real varsity experience and we had a rough start to the season beginning 4-11. It was a new system, and we had a lot to learn and grow together and turned it around midway through the year. We finished the second half of the season with a winning record 11-6, including our playoff win. We will have one of the toughest districts in 1A in the state in my opinion, but we are grateful for the opportunity to compete and are anxious for the challenges ahead this season.” — Flowers

TYLER HEAT

Coach: Ryan Tomlin (1st year as head coach of Tyler HEAT)

Assistant coaches: Chad Morgan and Terry Shelton

District: NTAA

2021-22 record: 24-18

Returning varsity players: Jackson Tomlin, 5-9, Jr., point guard (9.0 points, 5.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals) … Cade Morgan, 5-9, Sr., guard (3.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals) … Waker Harman, 6-0, Soph., guard (3.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals)

Notable newcomers: Cale Starr, 6-0, Sr., forward … Elijah Grimes, 6-5, Jr., forward) … Coen Starr, 6-0, Soph., guard … Aiden Shelton, 6-3, Soph., forward … Kedren Penney, 6-0, Soph., guard

Additional comments: “We are coming off a season where we graduated eight and returned three. I am so excited to coach this group of young men as they understand the task of continuing the success of Tyler HEAT and even though we have a lot of new faces on varsity, we expect to be very competitive. These young men are very coachable and a joy to be around.” — Tomlin

Did you know: Tomlin is a former head basketball coach at Whitehouse High School and is currently an assistant principal at Lindale High School … Tyler HEAT finished 18th in the nation among homeschool teams last season.