Cordell Blue Devil basketball is gearing up for an exciting new season, and leading the charge is the school’s new Head Boys Basketball Coach, John Williams. With a passion for sports, a mix of coaching experiences, and an energy that matches his coaching style, “intense, exciting, and fun,” Williams is ready to bring fresh momentum to Cordell.
“I grew up in Edmond, was in Edmond pretty much from 3rd grade on,” Williams said. “I was the type of kid where we didn’t have technology and stuff, so I had a ball in my hands. I was outside shooting on the goal out front.”
Though injuries and opportunities in high school shifted his focus from playing to academics, Williams never strayed far from the game. He got his start teaching youth P.E. in Oklahoma City, often volunteering his weekends and free time to teach fundamentals and volunteer coaching elementary teams. Following his time at Capitol Hill High School, he worked his way through Paoli, where he accepted his first high school coaching job, coaching girls with the help of good mentors like Kase Mathis, to Cement, and Canute before landing in Cordell.
“At Cement, we had the first winning basketball record they’d had in 20 years,” he said proudly. “I loved it there. I had some of the best players and worked with some of the best school staff you could ask for.”
When the Cordell job opened, Williams knew it was the right move. “When I heard that Mr. Belcher was going to be the superintendent, I thought that’s an admin I want to work for. And then I heard Coach Rogers was coming back, and I was like, ‘I’ve got a legend of Cordell coming back’, I’ve got a great group of people to work with, and I can seek advice if I need to. That was a key of importance to me, and it brings me here to Cordell, where I want to be.”
Now, Williams takes the helm of Cordell’s basketball program while also assisting with football and serving as head coach for both boys’ and girls’ golf. In the classroom, he teaches 7th-grade Geography, high school Economics, and even a History of Sports class during Genius Hour.
Williams credits one Coach in particular who
MEET THE COACH, Page 8 not only contributed to his growth as a coach, but also gave him some insight into who some of the Cordell athletes are. “Well, I was fortunate enough to be with another Cordell legend for the last two years at Canute, Coach Bobby Blackburn,” he said. “That man taught me more about just coaching in general than anyone I’ve ever been around. I owe a lot to my growth as a coach over the last two years to him. The man is great, he’s a wealth of knowledge, he’s a role model for kids, and he understands life in general. He had a relationship here before; he knew these younger kids coming up, and he was instrumental in telling me about them, who some of these kids are.”
When asked what values he hopes to instill in his players, Williams didn’t hesitate.
“My biggest thing is understanding how to have good character qualities. Like integrity, honesty, and trust. When you say you’re going to do something, you’re going to do it. Regardless of the situation,” he explained. “People have laughed at me before, but I care more about what type of person you’re going to be on and off that court.”
Williams is already impressed with the players he has this season. “I was worried to death I wasn’t going to have any kids show up this summer. I had 10–12 kids every day for camp,” he said. “I know they haven’t had much success. It’s been tough on some of these kids because it’s a matter of trust. I have to prove to them through my actions that this will be better. I think a lot of people are going to be interested when they come to a game this year. It’s going to be exciting.”
Fans can expect a gritty, determined team that will compete hard from the opening tip-off.
“A team that is going to go out and make it tough on the other team to win,” Williams promised. “No backing down.”
Williams also emphasizes the importance of community support. “Community support is the key. When basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, or wrestling teams travel somewhere, those people may have never been to Cordell. How we act represents how our community is. This is a great community. We have to be the ambassadors for our community, and it helps to have our community supporting us too.”
Off the court, Williams has a lighter side, too. One fun fact? He has been a sports official for football and baseball for 26 years, having officiated a few Cordell football games in the past.
And if you see him around town, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. “I don’t really know anyone in town, so don’t be afraid to say hi to me!” he said. “I will gladly talk your ear off. The more I feel like I can get to know people outside of the school and the parents of the players, I think the better connection I’ll have with the community.”
Blue Devil fans, get ready. With Coach Williams leading the way, basketball season promises to be intense, exciting, and fun.
“I think a lot of people are going to be interested when they come to a game this year, and they’re going to want to watch the boys. It’s going to be exciting. Those kids have already grown on me in the short time I’ve been here. I would do anything for them. Just getting to know them has been great. People are not going to want to overlook us.”