Oran Eagles looks to reclaim glory days under new leadership

As Oran prepares to take the court for the 2024-2025 basketball season, they do so under new leadership and with a fresh roster eager to make its mark.

Following the retirement of long-time head coach Joe Shoemaker, the Eagles are now guided by Corey Davis, who steps into the role with a vision to build on the team’s storied legacy.

“Like any team, our goal every year is to work towards winning districts and the games that follow,” Davis said. “I remind our guys a few times every week that we are working towards the big picture goal and that any short-term goal we set is to get us closer to that season goal of advancing as far as we can in postseason play.”

Last season, the team faced a challenging 12-15 record, marking a departure from their usual winning ways.

This year, Davis is tasked with not only filling the shoes of his predecessor but also integrating a new lineup after the graduation of several key players.

The departure of seniors like Elijah Shoemaker and Nolan Loper, who were instrumental in the team’s past successes, leaves a significant gap in both leadership and scoring.

“Those seniors played a large role in the team over the last two years,” Davis said. “With such a large group graduating at one time, we will have to replace a lot of our scoring and this will create a lot of opportunities.”

However, this year’s roster features a blend of returning players and promising newcomers.

Among the returning starters are seniors Parker Bryant and Carson Kern, both post players and senior guard Kole Burger.

These athletes are expected to anchor the team with their experience and skill.

“One of our big advantages that we have this year is that we graduated a lot of seniors,” Davis said. “This has allowed us to come in this year with a group that other teams may not have a lot of time to learn tendencies. We also have several guys who have been part of our state championship baseball teams, so they know what it takes to excel in a sport and perform at a high level.”

Meanwhile, a group of juniors, including Cole Deibold, Cooper Bryant, and Reid Hobbs, are stepping up from the junior varsity ranks, bringing enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.

“We have a good group joining us,” Davis said. “They have good leadership traits and are excited about the opportunity to step in as juniors and help contribute to the team. I had to tell this group a few times over the summer to go home. Otherwise, they would have lived in the gym if I had let them.”

With a new roster comes the need for strategic adjustments.

The team plans to employ a flexible style of play, alternating between high-pressure, fast-paced basketball and a more methodical approach, depending on the opponent.

This adaptability is seen as a key advantage, especially as other teams may not yet be familiar with the Eagles’ new lineup.

When asked about specific areas of improvement, Davis highlighted the challenge of players adjusting to new roles.

“The biggest challenge we will face this year is that the players are adjusting to new roles that they have not had in years past and growing within those roles,” he said. “We talk about the mindset needed to excel and to grow in our positions with our players and expect that the players will continue to work hard towards being the best that they can be in their role within the team.”

Oran opens its season on Monday, Dec. 2 by hosting the 69th Annual Oran Invitational Tournament. The Eagles received the No. 6 seed and will take on No. 3 seeded Bell City at 8 p.m.

The Eagles will compete in Class 2, District 3 this season.