Search
-
December 4, 2025Eager to begin their seasons, both the boys and girls basketball teams charged into the start of their seasons.
The boys team advanced to the state tournament a year ago.
“I think we set the tone with this group, kind of getting a taste of the state tournament last year,” boys coach Jake Brown said. “So we'd like to get back there and then just kind of elevate and see where we can go from there.”
After falling at regionals last season, girls coach Jade Carter said the girls team is also optimistic about reaching the state tournament with a “more athletic” group.
“Our girls were all a little young last year,” Carter said
With an older and more experienced team, Carter aims to focus more on defense this season and create a “mentally tougher” team.
“We are practicing more intensely,” Carter said, “and we also are doing more weight training this year to get a lot stronger.”
In addition, Brown said the boys team will strive to be more guard-heavy than in the past.
“The last couple years we've been more of a half-court team, so longer possessions, taking longer to have plays develop, like longer sets and stuff, and we're really trying to emphasize playing with pace more this year,” Brown said. “Other than that, we want to defend the same way. We want to incorporate a little more zone into what we do.”
Though the path to state will be challenging with each team moving up to Class 5A, Brown said he still thinks the boys goal is realistic.
“There's some really good teams in 5A, but we feel like we can play anybody close any night and go beat anybody any night,” Brown said.
Senior Luke Strickland said the team’s move to Class 5A will bring bigger schools and better teams throughout the season.
“With our team coming off of a state tournament appearance last year, we will have plenty of momentum moving forward with our strong defensive structure,” Strickland said.
With this season being his final, Strickland said he will try harder than ever to achieve one of his personal goals: to make an in-game dunk.
“I have attempted many times but have come short,” Strickland said. “The school spirit throughout the school has exponentially increased, which I believe will give me the confidence to get it done this year.”
BMCHS students doing their part to feed those in need
Having collected cans and raised money throughout November, the school has met its goal, exceeding 100,000 meals raised, which was donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Currently, McGuinness remains the food bank’s largest school donor.
With 82.41% student participation through all students, the school was led by the freshmen in class participation, according to Student Council advisor Laura Castrop.
Students constructed a pirate ship sculpture from the cans in celebration of the drive’s Pirates of the Can-ibbean theme. The cans were loaded and donated Nov. 21.
Nguyen has faith in Irish swim
With early meets behind them, the Irish swim season is well underway.
This year will be senior John Nguyen’s fourth on the team. Individually, Nguyen has started his season strong, beating a 2013 school record in the 100 breaststroke. Nguyen won state in the 200 freestyle in both his sophomore and junior years.
Though the team has a prominent senior class, Nguyen said he has seen growth in each class through “teamwork and dedication in the pool.”
“I know during these swim meets, I’ll see our teammates cheering on each other and the support is really great,” Nguyen.
Nguyen also said the program has expanded since his first season, with 26 swimmers competing this year.
“I have faith in my team,” Nguyen said.
Photo: (Above) John Nguyen
BMCHS students constructed a pirate ship sculpture from cans of food collected for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The can food drive had a Pirates of the Can-ibbean theme. Photos provided.