By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer | garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
Fall sports are officially behind us, and now as the days end early and temperatures drop, the action will be heating up on the court and wrestling mat. There is much to be excited about when it comes to the 2024-25 winter sports season at Woodruff High School, with talent across the board and exciting athletes who will bring the crowd to their feet. Here is a look at the Woodruff Wolverine varsity basketball and wrestling teams.
Varsity Girls Basketball
Head Coach- Jon Jansen (7th season)
Last year’s record- 11-14 (6-2 Region 3-3A)
Returning starters- 4
Key returning players-
Sadie Burnette- Sr, Jensyn Turner- Jr, Jordan Robinson- Jr, Kara West- Sr, Jasmine McKnight- Jr, Jaylen Means- Soph, Ivy Kate Rhodes- Sr, Alexis Baldwin- Soph, Emma Kate Vaughn- Jr
Key newcomer- Aidyn Smith- Jr
About the Lady Wolverines:
Woodruff returns nearly their entire team intact from a season ago and welcome back starting point guard Jensyn Turner who missed all the 2023-24 season due to injury. Woodruff sports a high-octane squad led by 3A top-5 senior selection Sadie Burnette, who is the school’s all-time three-point record holder. The Lady Wolverines will be fast and physical, with the ability to shut down opponents with their athleticism. Look for the Woodruff girls to be in the hunt for a region title.Coach Jansen says:
“Our goal this season is to grow together daily and share in those successes and setbacks together. Our team has experience, speed, and toughness. The 2024-25 season has the potential to be exciting with a deep run in the state play-offs.”
Varsity Boys Basketball
Head Coach- Bryan McConnell (11th season)
Last year’s record- 16-10 (6-2 Region 3-3A)
Returning starters- 2
Key returning players-
Hunter West- Sr, Lake Smith- Sr, Aiden Gibson- Soph, Grayson Patterson- Jr
Key newcomers- Dre Jenkins- Jr, Kori Moates- Jr
About the Wolverines:
The Woodruff boys graduated four starters from last season’s sensational team but do not expect the Wolverines to take a drop. Coach McConnell’s squad was exceptionally deep a year ago, and plenty of experienced talent returns along with the addition of point guard Dre Jenkins who transferred in during the fall. Woodruff will have size, athleticism, shooting ability, and depth all in their favor again as they look to win the program’s first region title since 1981.
Coach McConnell says:
“This year’s team is the deepest team that I have had in my varsity career. We return nine players from last year’s team, including 6 seniors. Our expectations are to work hard to have a chance to win region in a tough-basketball region.”
Wrestling
Head Coach- John Harper (9th season)
Last year’s record- 22-11 (2-2 Region 3-3A)
Returning starters- 6
Key returning wrestlers-
C.J. Smith (126), Brandon Sellars (157), Rachel Hayes (120 girls)
Key newcomers- None listed
About the Wolverines:
A Woodruff team which won 22 matches a season ago returns solid talent across the board this season. Brandon Sellars, a state champion contender, has moved up to the 157-pound weight class and is off to a hot start to the season. C.J. Smith also returns for the boys at 126. Rachel Hayes, a standout and championship contender for the girls’ team, returns at 120 to lead her squad.
Coach Harper says:
“These individuals have big goals, and a lot of work left to achieve their goals. We hope to stay focused on being consistent and competing hard when our opportunities arise.”
Author: Tracy Sanders
