Merritt Oilers Boys Basketball Team
Coach: Donnie Husband
OUTLOOK
The Merritt Oilers enter the 2024-25 season with high expectations, despite a roster featuring four new starters. Head coach Donnie Husband is optimistic about the team’s potential for growth and success. “We will have four new starters, but we have some guys that came on last year and really improved this summer. We have high expectations and feel like by the end of the year we can be a very good basketball team,” said Husband.
A key player to watch this season is Luke Peffer (6-8, Sr.), a 6’8” senior post who had a productive summer and preseason. Peffer is a 4.0 student who ranks #2 in his class. “He’s become a really good player due to becoming very committed to the game,” said Husband. Peffer helped lead the Oilers to the state tournament last year and was instrumental in the team’s postseason success, increasing his average points per game during the playoffs. Peffer has drawn attention for his strong play, and the Oilers are confident he will make a significant impact on the court as they aim to build on last season’s success.
Seniors looking to make an impact this season are Colton Kirk (6-0, Sr.), Jacob Miller (6-2, Sr.), and Braden Bratcher (5-10, Sr.), ready to help on both sides of the ball. The junior ranks are bolstered by Hudson Dyer (5-8, Jr.), Cole Carter (5-8, Jr.), Austin Smith (6-0, Jr.) and Talan Frazier (6-3, Jr.). Sophomores and freshmen include Curtis Henley (5-10, So.), Maddux Pruitt (6-0, So.), Joel Parra (6-4, So.), Trace Touchstone (6-1, So.), Brylon Smith (6-0, So.), Braden (5-9, Fr.) and Bryce Carter (5-9, Fr.), Hadley Brown (6-1, Fr.), Gavin Bashaw (5-9, Fr.), Jaden and (6-0, Fr.), Jaxton Hartman (6-0, Fr.) and Aiden Orgain (6-0, Fr.).
The Merritt Oilers are excited to compete this season, with a combination of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen. Coach Husband’s leadership, along with the team’s hard work and determination, positions them for another strong run at the playoffs.
