Coach: Wil Holiman

21-22 Record: 14-12

The Buffaloes enter the 2022-23 season with a combination of proven performers and several new faces that bring plenty of optimism for McAlester after reaching the Class 5A area tournament last year.  Adonis Holiman (5-8, G, Jr.), an early commit to play collegiately at Division-I level Texas A&M-Commerce, gives the Buffs a scoring leader as well as playmaker from the point with his court vision resulting in pinpoint passes to create easy baskets inside. Another of the returning starters is Lewis Woodmore (6-0, G, Sr.) whose athleticism makes valuable contributions as a scorer and defender in addition to his leadership in the locker room with the younger players.

Evan Black (6-5, F, Jr.), who saw starting role action last season, will be called up for prime time efforts. Also drawing plenty of looks from college coaches is Cole Allen (6-5,G, Sr.) a transfer into the McAlester program that has the size and basketball skills to be a game changer performer. Also adding to the inside strength will be Eli Chatman (6-5, F, Jr.) and Malachi Wrice (6-7, C, Jr.).

Head coach Wil Holiman admits the contributions of his bench including Davante McKendrick (5-8, G, Fr.) will play a key role in the Buffs ability to maintain a wide-open uptempo style of play as well as Chaz Bradley (6-0, G, Sr.), Jake Forehand (5-9, G, Sr.), sharpshooter Jaxen Duff (6-0, G, So.) as well as Isaiah Hishaw (6-4, F, Jr.), Garrett Pickett (6-4, F, Jr.), Kaiden Duke (6-3, F, So.), Brayden Bumphus (5-11, G, So.) and Caden Harris (6-5, F, Fr.). 

“The level of talent in Class 5A is always tough,” said Holiman. “This year we’ve got the potential to earn some well-deserved recognition. This group will compete every time we step on the court.”