NINNEKAH OWLS
BOYS
Coach: Wes Pulliam
21-22 Record: 5-20
Preparation for the 2022-23 season began last spring when Ninnekah and head coach Wes Pulliam finished the season with a 5-20 record but knew they would return the bulk of their lineup with another summer and year of experience to lean on this year. “This year’s squad returns four starters from last year. The incoming freshman class is fighting for playing time. Leading the team is J.J. Jerdee who is coming off a stellar sophomore year averaging over 20 points a game. Eli Brake returns to take care of the point guard duties and sophomores Ethan Fitzpatrick and Travis Sullivan are competing for playing time,” said coach Pulliam.
J.J. Jerdee (6-1, Jr.) was big for Ninnekah last season and returns as the top scorer on the court. “JJ is an up and comer that can be a two-way player. He can defend on the perimeter and can score from inside and out. JJ works hard at his craft and has improved since last year. He has a high basketball IQ and his work ethic fits with next level players,” said coach Pulliam. Eli Brake (5-10, Jr.) is another guard who can score. Last season Brake averaged 10 points per contest and will likely start at point guard. “Eli is fitting the role of the point guard nicely. He gets the ball where it needs to go and can really shoot if left open. He will continue to improve based on his work ethic and desire to be successful,” said coach Pulliam.
Malachi Brown (6-1, Fr.) is a young talent coach Pulliam is excited to see develop. Brown can drive to the rim or hit from the perimeter. Colby Keller (6-2, Sr.) is an unselfish player who brings leadership to the floor for Ninnekah.
Other players to watch this season include Eli Hefflin (5-11, Fr.), Jacob Horn (5-11, Jr.), Brison Shaw (5-8, Jr.), Bradyn Shaw (5-8, Fr.), Kaden Claflin (5-6, Fr.), Gentry Drennan (5-10, So.), Nate Williams (5-8, Fr.), Nate Dyer (5-10, Sr.), Travis Sullivan (6-1, So.), Ethan Fitzpatrick (5-8, So.), Alaster Jones (5-10, So.), Jeremiah Downey-Black (5-11, Fr.), and Johnny Harris (5-9, Fr.). Ethan Christian is the assistant coach. Dalandis Sloan and Delaney Ray are the team managers.
