The Northern Oklahoma College Mavericks open the 2021 season Wednesday, Jan. 20 when the Mavs host Cowley County at 7:30 p.m. at Foster-Piper Fieldhouse.
The Mavs, under 8th year head coach Donnie Jackson, were 28-4 last year earning an at-large bid to the NJCAA Tournament though the tournament was canceled due to Covid-19.
Normally, the Mavs would have opened the season in November but due to Covid-19, the NJCAA season opens Jan. 20.
“It’s been a challenge,” Jackson said. “With no games in the fall, we spent more time in the weight room and skill work than normal. The hard part for us is that we had two weeks of quarantine before we left for Thanksgiving so it’s been almost two months since we’ve had our players.”
“I know it’s going to take some time to put the pieces in place so we have to patient.” he said. “I think games could be ugly early because everyone will be trying to find some consistency. Fortunately, everyone is in the same boat.”
The Mavs lost NJCAA All-American Demaree King along with Barron Tanner and Deaveon Bankston to graduation but return seven key contributors from the 2020 team.
Returnees include guards Tyrel Morgan and JD Ray along with forwards Avante Lederer and Mark Berry. Post players Malik Crawford, Syrus Grisby, and Justin Wilson also return.
“We have such a good group of returnees,” Jackson said. “Tyrel (Morgan, who signed with Jacksonville University) is poised to have a great year but JD (Ray) and Avante (Lederer) both had great falls for us.
Jackson said that Crawford and Berry really came on as well.
“Of our bigs, they both had good falls,” Jackson said.
Jackson has freshmen Diondre Alexander, Kevin Sesberry, Nate Goodlow, Dylan McLean, and Jaylin Oliver along with sophomore transfer Camryn Dennis.
“I like our newcomers,” he said. “Nate (Goodlow), Kevin (Sesberry), Dylan (McLean), and Camyrn (Dennis) all have the opportunity to see plenty of minutes. I like to play 10-11 guys so there is playing time available. I’m excited to see how our young guys fit in. They came in this week refreshed and ready to go.”
This year’s schedule is 24 games with 18 NJCAA Region 2 games and six non-conference games. Region 2 games include home and home series with NOC Enid, NEO, Western, Eastern, Redlands, Murray State, and Seminole. Non-conference games include a home and home series with Cowley College and Labette (KS) and single games with Collin County and ...
