Video: Okolona Boys Basketball Team Looks To Continue Its Hot Streak

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) — The Okolona Chieftains boys basketball team have been in the spotlight of the class 2a division all season. They defeated Calhoun City last week to win the district championship, and beat Strayhorn Tuesday night in the first round of the basketball playoffs. Now this team is one away from reaching the state tournament down in Jackson.

The Okolona Chieftains boys basketball team was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs last season. Now this season, the team has been on a mission to avenge that loss.

“The season has been great. Everyday we come to practice our coach tells us to work hard. We get on the line everyday. We just do anything he tells us to do,” said senior forward Jaquez Ford.

“It’s been good. Playing good team ball and moving it around, and winning a lot of games,” adds another teammate Ladarrius Spears.

“It’s been a successful season for us thus far. We came in with some lofty goals, and we are kind of trying to live up to expectations. The guys bought in to everything we are doing defensively and both offensively, so it’s been one of those seasons,” said head coach Arteria Clifton.

The Chieftains lost four seniors from last year’s team, and this season’s team has also four seniors, but none of those seniors start. They come off the bench as role players to give the team a lift when they are called upon.

“I love it. I’m like the energy guy. I bring energy to the team. When we get in, defense cranks up. I love defense,” Ford said.

“They never complain. They do whatever I ask them to do. Actually I got two seniors that this is there first time playing high school basketball. They came in an bought into the program. Hard working guys and never complain. They just give me all they got,” Clifton adds.

The Okolona Chieftains boys basketball team has reeled off twenty-seven wins in a row since there last loss back in the first game against Tupelo. Now this team is focused and ready to make a run to a state championship down in Jackson.

“Do the same thing we’ve been doing all season. Just work at it. Work hard. Don’t never give up,” Ford said.

“Keep listening to your coach as he tells you what to do and respect him at what you need to do,” said point guard Jaylon Bailey.

“That’s our goal. I know it’s a long ways to get there, but we are going to keep working at it. I think athletics is a big deal here in Okolona. We are just going to live up to those expectations and try to make our city proud,” Clifton said.

The Chieftains go for there 28th straight win and for a spot in Jackson in the state tournament when they host Ingomar Saturday at 7pm.