Oxford Yellow Jackets Ready to Build on Experience and Toughness

Oxford High School   Class 6A Area 11     Head Coach: Joel Van Meter   Last Season Record: 24-7 (According to maxpreps.com)   IG: ohs.mbb   X: @OldGoldMBB   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='1958808' first='Jaylen' last='Alexander'] (6'1/PG/'26/Oxford HS)   IG: j3ylen   X: @256Jaylen   Jaylen is an experienced point guard and a Belmont commit, and he is the consummate floor general who can score and facilitate at a high level. He enters the season with 1,855 career points and continues to elevate his game through improved strength, leadership, and maturity. He is a proven winner and unselfish playmaker, and he sets the tone on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2726872' first='Marcus' last='Perry'] (6'3/SG/'27/Oxford HS)    IG: _.ihoopmarcus04   X: @Marcustotuff04   Marcus is a dynamic perimeter threat with a tremendous ability to shoot the basketball. His growth in toughness and rebounding has made him a more complete player. He is a confident scorer and willing teammate, and he embodies the unselfish and competitive culture of the Yellow Jackets.   [player_tooltip player_id='2726864' first='Chris' last='Latson'] (6'4/‘27/F/Oxford)   IG: thaaatboichris   X: @thaatboii_chris   Chris has made major strides in his maturity and overall approach to the game. His length and athleticism make him a matchup problem on both ends, and he has developed into one of the top perimeter defenders his coach has ever had. As his offensive skill set continues to grow, his impact continues to expand.   Key Role Players to Watch:   Jay'lin Taylor (6'2/SG/Oxford)   Jay'lin is a Marshall football commit who brings toughness, confidence, and defensive energy every time he steps on the court. He provides secondary ball-handling, excellent passing instincts, and elite defensive presence. He is a true winner and complete team player.   Conner Richerzhagen (6'3/SG/'27/Oxford HS)   X: @CRich2027   Conner transferred from Faith last year and has made big strides in strength and physicality. He is a confident shooter and improved ball-handler who crashes the offensive glass with intent. He brings a team-first mentality and a growing two-way game.   Returning Starters:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1958808' first='Jaylen' last='Alexander'] (PG/12th Grade)</li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2726872' first='Marcus' last='Perry'] (SG/11th Grade)</li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2726864' first='Chris' last='Latson'] (SG/11th Grade) </li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">Jay'lin Taylor (SG/12th Grade) </li> </ul>   New Additions:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2748377' first='Caileb' last='Wilson'] (PG/10th Grade) Transferred from Hoover</li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">Jermaine Caver</li> </ul>   What To Expect From The Yellow Jackets This Season:   Oxford looks to be tougher and more consistent in big moments this season. After facing a challenging schedule last year, the team's offseason focus has been on the defensive end and overall toughness. The Jackets spent significant time in the weight room, building strength and athleticism across the roster, something that should pay off in late-game situations. Coach Joel has emphasized the importance of depth, trust, and collective effort: “We can't be a one, two, or three-man show. Each player needs to be the best version of themselves and trust the process of how we'll use them.”   What Will It Take for The Yellow Jackets To Win State?   I normally have to tighten up some of the wording from the coaches in this section but Coach Joel makes it clear the mindset of his program:   "I don't think it's worth talking about right now. I just want to get better today. Then try to improve on that tomorrow. There are so many good programs, players, and coaches in 6A. I feel like looking ahead to late February and March would be a disservice to the work you are putting in now. We want to put our head down and work every day. If that means we are playing in late February and March that would be great, but it can't define us."

Oxford High School