OOLOGAH MUSTANGS
BOYS
Coach: Caleb Branscum
23-24 Record: 14-12
OUTLOOK
Entering the 2024-25 season the Mustangs, under head coach Caleb Branscum, are ready to heat up and gym and get to work. Coach Branscum said this group does not shy away from hard work.
“I am very excited about this upcoming basketball season. We have several returning starters back from last year. This is a very hardworking group, as well as very team oriented. We have high expectations for the season ahead,” said coach Branscum.
Keep an eye one Ethan Hadley, a player that can put up big numbers from his shooting guard position. Hadley can go for 20-plus on any given night.
“He was a big part of our success last season. He scored 21 against Cushing our last game of the season and has put in serious work during the off season. I have seen tremendous growth from him this fall and expect big things from him,” said Branscum.
Also look for Ayden Gaines to make a big impact this season. Coach Branscum calls Gaines a “future star.”
“Ayden started for us last season as a freshman and played a major role throughout the season. His size, strength, and athleticism are rare for his age. He was a major contributor last season, and we expect him to be a huge factor in our success this upcoming season,” said Branscum.
Other players to watch include Jaden Tanner (Sr.), a combo player who can play multiple positions and Caleb Brown (6-1, Sr.) at forward.
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Oologah’s Ethan Hadley
At the age of three, Oologah’s Ethan Hadley picked up a basketball and started playing. Now a senior, Hadley will play shooting guard and small forward for the Mustangs this season. Shooting is one of his strengths on the court.
“My strengths are my shooting ability and my ability to see the whole court,” Hadley said. “I will play every spot a little bit during the season.”
Hadley said he loves being around his teammates and competing with them especially when they go on the road into a hostile environment.
“I love the way we all are able to get along on and off the court,” Hadley said. “My favorite place to play is Skiatook, but the toughest place to play is Claremore Sequoyah.”
During the summer and in early practices, Hadley said he’s been impressed with everyone.
“All my teammates have impressed me everyone has gotten better at their role this offseason,” Hadley said.
Away from the court you can usually find Hadley watching basketball and hanging out with his friends. His plans for life after high school include playing basketball in college and eventually becoming a coach. The senior said his parents deserve the credit for helping him get to where he is today. “Shout out to my parents for driving me around to all my AAU tournaments through the years. They have taught me how to live the right way and put everything in God’s hands and it will all work out and they have always put me over themselves.”
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