Alva Review-Courier -

After coaching the Timberlake Lady Tigers for the past 11 years, Kale Pierce returns for his 15th year of coaching, but this time as the head coach for the boys' basketball program at Timberlake. Despite the coaching change, Pierce has been confident in this team.

"I was unsure how this transition to coaching the boys would go, but I have really enjoyed it to this point and am very proud of the effort they have given so far," said coach Pierce. "They understand the commitment that it takes to achieve the lofty goals they have set for themselves, and have bought into an emphasis on improving defensively and improving shot selection."

Last season, the Tigers finished up their season with a record of 15-14 ending their year in the first round of the Area Tournament against Coyle in close match-up 42-43. The Tigers are off to a great start for the 2016-2017 season as they went on a seven-game win streak, winning their first tournament of the season at the Northwest Prep Classic against Burlington in the finals. Their current record is 11-3 as their season winds down.

The Tigers said goodbye to four lettermen from last season, three of them graduates, but welcome back six lettermen – three of them starters.

Those three starters returning are Xaylen Stevens, Cooper Redding and Utah Bishard, who played key roles as sophomores on last year's team that made Area as mentioned by coach Pierce.

"Their perimeter scoring anchored around Xaylen and Cooper's outside shooting and ability to drive and finished, or dish off to open teammates," said K. Pierce. "Utah played the role of a versatile, inside-out post scorer, and their best post defender. He is our leading rebounder from a year ago and has anchored our defense this year."

Coach Pierce credits these three, as well as the maturation of the rest of the team, to the great start to their season.

Those three juniors are averaging in double-digit scoring over midway through the season, led by Stearns, who averages 17.8 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds with 30 assists and 31 steals. Redding averages 12 points a game with 7.1 rebounds and 41 assists and 22 steals, while Bishard averages 11.8 points with 8.3 rebounds.

Those starters are joined by three young players that have had significant playing time this season.

"We have a good mix with four juniors bringing needed experience along with talented freshmen and a sophomore that have made big impacts so far," said Pierce. "Joey Najera, Camden Frech and Preston Pierce have all been in the starting lineup for numerous games and complement our three returning starters very well."

Najera, Frech and P. Pierce all bring their own strengths to this talented Tiger team starting with Najera back after suffering back issues from last season providing athleticism and toughness in their defense. Frech adds another ball handler with a great basketball IQ on both sides of the ball, as well as disrupting their opponents' offense. Lastly, P. Pierce has been the Tigers most consistent three-point shooter giving some relief to their inside game with Stearns and Redding, while adding another outside threat with Bishard.

Rounding out the team on the bench are freshmen Davon Kent and Alec Judd, both of whom K. Pierce describes as "unselfish that show up to make themselves and the team better every day."

Unfortunately, the Tigers have been without one key component on the floor in sophomore Jake Thorp, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

"We've really missed Jake on the court this season, but he has been with the team throughout," said K. Pierce. "I'm looking forward to getting him back as a junior to give us an additional player that can play in the post."

As the season comes to a close, the Tigers will compete in one more tournament scheduled on Jan. 19-21 at the Cherokee Strip Conference Tournament. Timberlake's final home game comes on Jan. 31, as they host Cimarron before they close out their season on the road against Lomega on Feb. 3. Post season play will start Feb. 10-11.

2016-2017 Tigers Basketball Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl.

0 Camdon Frech G 5'8" So.

2 Joey Najera G 5'11" Jr.

4 Devon Kent G 5'10" Fr.

11 Alec Judd F 5'10" Fr.

12 Utah Bishard F 6'3" Jr.

21 Cooper Redding G 5'11" Jr.

23 Preston Pierce G 5'10" Fr.

24 Xaylen Stearns F 6'3" Jr.

32 Jake Thorp C 5'11" So.

Head Coach: Kale Pierce

Remaining 2017 Basketball Schedule

Date Opponent Home/Away Time

Jan. 19-21 Cherokee Strip Conf. Tourn. Enid TBA

Jan. 24 Medford Home 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 Burlington Home 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 Cimarron Home 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 Lomega Away 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA

Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA

Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA

March 2-4 State TBA TBA

*Home games in bold.