Blue Devil fans, set those reminders! The Cordell Blue Devil basketball season is tipping off with a community-favorite event this Friday, November 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cordell High School Gymnasium. Blue Devil fans are encouraged to attend the exciting Meet the Players event, where you’ll meet the basketball athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, and the mascot. The evening promises fun and entertainment as we kick off what both coaches believe will be an exciting basketball season.
This year’s Meet the Players includes athletes from 5th through 12th grades, all eager to showcase their skills on the court. And with activities like the duck toss ($1 per duck), Gotcha game ($10 per person), and a Player Auction where fans can bid on block shots, attempted free throws, three-pointers, and even half-court glory, there’s something for everyone! All proceeds directly benefit the basketball programs and athletes.
Cordell Girls Basketball Head Coach Colby Love is thrilled about the upcoming season and his players’ progress.
“I’m really excited about our players and coaching staff this year. I think we have a great group of kids, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to coach them,” he shared. With all five high school starters from last season returning, the girls are ready to build on their eight-win season.
“I think we have a chance to put together a special season this year,” Love continued. “We are learning how to play fast and push the tempo, and I hope that will translate to more wins this season.”
Coach Love is confident that his team’s hard work and the community’s encouragement and support will drive the girls to achieve even more on the court.
For the boys’ team, Coach Vaughn Blankenship, Cordell Boys Basketball Head Coach, is looking forward to the blend of experience and fresh talent. “The boys will replace several starters but return lots of experience,” Blankenship stated, noting that his team is ready to hit the ground running. “I know that they will play hard on both ends of the floor,” Blankenship said. “We will try to push the tempo and be more aggressive on defense.” With his team’s experience and the continued support of the Cordell fans, Coach Blankenship sees a lot of potential for the season.
Both coaches highlighted the importance of community events like “Meet the Players.” Coach Love explained, “Our athletes work really hard nearly year-round for basketball, and I think the girls love it when we have a full gym and loud crowd supporting our teams. We greatly appreciate the support and the fundraising this community provides for our kids; all the money goes back to them.”
Coach Blankenship added, “Meet the Players is one of my favorite traditions here at Cordell. The support and the love that the community shows the programs are amazing. We use the money and invest in our kids, providing travel gear for the boys’ teams and covering camp and summer league fees.”
So, come out this Friday to support the Cordell Blue Devils, enjoy a night full of games sure to bring a laugh or two, and meet the players who strive to leave it all on the court. Go, Big Blue!