After a balanced 13-13 record last season, the Hollis Lady Tigers enter the 2025 season with optimism and high expectations. Under the direction of third-year head coach Tyler Bates, who is leading the girls program for the first time, the Lady Tigers return all but one player from last year’s roster and welcome back a talented sophomore guard, Charlie Robinson (5-6, So.), who missed last season due to a torn ACL.
Senior leaders Tori Whisenant (5-10, Sr.) and Promise Tubbs (5-6, Sr.) will be at the forefront of the team’s efforts. Whisenant is an athletic forward/guard capable of scoring at all three levels and developing into a lockdown defender. Her versatility and leadership will be key as the Lady Tigers look to make a deep run this season. Tubbs brings positivity, energy, and elite athleticism, highlighted by her top-five finish in the Class A 100-meter dash last spring. She sets a standard on and off the court with her kindness and work ethic.
Joining them are juniors Kenya Surmon (5-7, Jr.) and Josie Robinson (5-7, Jr.), both returning starters who will provide stability in the backcourt. The team also hopes to get a midseason boost from junior Lili Whorton (6-2, Jr.), who was sidelined by an ACL injury but is projected to return in February. Sophomore Hadyn Brookman (5-8, So.) is expected to fill the starting gap created by Whorton’s injury, giving Hollis six capable starters and providing depth across multiple positions.
The Lady Tigers’ bench also looks promising, with contributions expected from Kaedynce Theademan (5-7, Jr.), Jayde Tillman (5-9, So.), Grace Mitchell (5-6, So.), and freshmen Shylee Kromer (5-6, Fr.) and Baker Riley (5-9, Fr.). This mix of experience and emerging talent should allow Hollis to maintain competitiveness in a challenging schedule.
One of the defining characteristics of this team will be its combination of versatility, skill, and basketball IQ. Charlie Robinson, in particular, is a highly skilled guard with composure and scoring ability at all three levels, and she is expected to make a name for herself across Southwest Oklahoma this season.
With a blend of veteran leadership, emerging stars, and a resilient attitude, the Hollis Lady Tigers are positioned for a season of growth and success. If the team can stay healthy and develop chemistry early, this group has the talent and determination to compete at the top of Class A basketball.
