POTEAU PIRATES
COACH: Ronnie Sockey
Record: 6–18
OUTLOOK
With a deeper bench and a maturing young core, the Poteau Pirates enter the new season poised to take a step forward under fourth-year head coach Ronnie Sockey. The Pirates bring back valuable experience while also adding athletic newcomers who should strengthen the rotation. “Going to have a little more experienced team this year but still a young team. Should have a few juniors that will play a lot of minutes and then adding in two returning sophomores that played a lot minutes as freshman last year. Then we could have two new freshman that will bring some athleticism to the team that will provide a spark off the bench for us. Should have a very deep bench with a lot of kids getting some minutes for us,” said Sockey.
Leading the returning group is junior forward Garrison Whitworth (6-5, Jr.), one of the most versatile athletes on the roster, along with Joseph Ullom (6-6, Jr.), whose size and length give Poteau a strong interior presence. Both juniors are expected to play heavy minutes and anchor the Pirates’ frontcourt.
Sophomore forward Ryder Waddel (6-4, So.) is Poteau’s underclassman to watch and one of the program’s highest-upside talents. Sockey believes Waddel’s physical tools give him a bright future. “Good size and athletic. If his basketball skills keep developing has potential to be a great player on the basketball court just like in football for him,” Sockey said. Waddel’s combination of strength and mobility makes him an important piece as the Pirates look to improve in the paint and in transition.
In the backcourt, sophomore Deacon King (5-10, So.) brings leadership and steadiness as the team’s Character Counts selection. Sockey praised his maturity on and off the floor. “Great kid with a good head on and off the floor. Looking for him to be a leader for the team as a sophomore,” he said. King’s competitiveness and decision-making will be crucial for the young roster.
Freshmen guards Evan Adams (5-11, Fr.) and Wrigley Downs (6-1, Fr.) bring athleticism and energy, giving Poteau depth and spark off the bench.
