WOODWARD BOOMERS
Coach: KALA GAINES
2024-25 Record: 18-7
Head basketball coach Kala Gaines is looking forward to a successful season for the Woodward Boomers.
“We had some really good things happen for us at our team camps over the summer and have some major role players who will be stepping into the starting position this season,” said Gaines. “Our team chemistry is still something that I’m most proud of for my team. They know how to play together and for each other. They push each other to be the best and I’m looking forward to seeing it in game action.”
The Boomers return two starters from last season: senior Gage Hutchins and sophomore Kadon Gaines. Last year Hutchins averaged 11 points per game and two rebounds per game. Gaines, a standout at 6’8, averaged 24 points per game and eight rebounds per game. He was named MVP of the Wheat Capital Tournament, All-Tournament Team at the Winter Classic, and won the Buckle of the Wheat Tournament, where he averaged 30 points per game. His personal best game was against Dodge City, where he scored 45 points and had 15 rebounds. He is also a 4.0 student and helped his team win the Academic State Championship.
“Kadon is a player who can play any position when asked,” said coach Gaines. “He mostly plays a shooting guard/small forward position. I look for him to be even more active this season in his roles and expect great things from him.”
Other players who will have a big impact on the court are senior Aaron Loredo, junior Cole Reid, sophomore Grayson Roach, and freshman Colton Bowers. Roach is one underclassman in particular to keep an eye on.
“Grayson has really been improving on his game over the last two years,” said coach Gaines. “He has really good hands defensively and is a great shot blocker. He will be getting to see the court more this season because of his length and ability to block shots. I’m excited to continue watching him grow and get stronger each game.”
