The Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks has opened 2021-22 season.The Mavs’ home opener is Wednesday, Nov. 10 against Hutchinson (KS).The Mavs’ home opener is Wednesday, Nov. 10 against Hutchinson (KS).NOC is under the direction of Brad Witherspoon who starts his first season as the Mavs’ head coach. Witherspoon was an assistant at Barton County (KS)The Mavs return sophomores Syrus Grisby, DJ Alexander, and Jaylin Oliver from last year’s Elite Eight but it left a number of holes to fill on the 2021-22 roster. “That was a big challenge,” he said. “But fortunately, we were able to put together a good group.“That was a big challenge,” he said. “But fortunately, we were able to put together a good group. I’m excited about how they have worked and how they’ve played.”Other sophomores include Elijah Pickens, Drake Montgomery, Jalen Johnson, Stevie Davis, and Cam Malray.Freshmen include Nick Cham, DJ Jones, Fede Federiko, David Owusu, Chad Milne, Kodee Holloway, and Naadhir Wood.“The main thing we have stressed is just buying into NOC,” Witherspoon said. “Playing for your teammates, playing for each other, and the school you represent. If we can do that, I think this group has a lot of potential.”Witherspoon said he thinks he’ll be able to play a lot of players in 2021-22.“I think we can be a deep team,” he said. I think we have a number of guys that can contribute. It’s just guys buying in and playing their roles.”Grisby, a 6-8 sophomore from Luther, Oklahoma, was a key player in the Mavs’ success the past two seasons. Guards DJ Alexander and Jaylin Oliver hope to contribute as well.Newcomers include Fede Federiko, a 6-11 post from Finland. Cam Malray is another post player that Witherspoon is counting on this season. Guards include DJ Jones,Guards include DJ Jones, Elijah Pickens, Drake Montgomery, Kodee Holloway, and David Owusu.“It’s going to take some time for us to find the right combinations but I think we will,” he said. “I’m just excited to get going.”Witherspoon replaced Donnie Jackson who took the Cowley (KS) position this summer.
