The Jets qualified for the National Tournament in the 2016-2017 season with a 21-10 overall record. The Jets beat College of Southern Idaho by a score of 95-90 behind 40 points from Ty Lazenby; who is at the University of Oklahoma now and also 22 points from Cade Upshaw; who is at Mid-America Christian University for his Junior Year. The Jets advanced to play Junior College power, Vincennes University in the Second Round of the NJCAA National Tournament. While stuggling to shoot the ball with high efficiency, the Jets took a 82-76 loss to Vincennes. When asked what the best memory of the 2016-2017 season was, Dyaire and Bryshon responded with "The celebration of advancing to the National Tournament as well as the atmosphere playing in Hutchinson." The Jets ended the 2016-2017 campaign on a tremendous ride.
The 2017-2018 season is a new year, a new look, with a new mission; "Get Back To Hutch" not only to get back there, but do something far greater than the previous year. With Sophomore leaders Dyaire Holt, Sebastian Gray, Denzil Haynes and Bryshon Bryant leading the charge; the Jets are poised to make another run to the National Tournament.
This group of guys will have a different look to them from the previous years here in Enid, Oklahoma. When asked how this year's group is different than last years, the four Sophomores collectively stated "We are a lot less selfish as a group, we are committed to defend, and we are much more athletic than last year", they said. Making the run to the National Tournament had to have sparked the guys confidence as Freshmen last season coming into their Sophomore campaign. When asked how confident they would be as a group knowing what it actually takes to get to the National Tournament and what motivates them this year, they responded with "We are very confident, We have a much more serious approach every day", they said. "We have unfinished business".
Dyaire Holt is the returning leading scorer on the team now that Ty Lazenby and Cade Upshaw are gone because of graduation. He averaged 13.0 PPG, 3.5 RBG, 4.4 APG, and also shot 48.8% from the floor. When Dyaire was asked on how he will lead the team this season, here was his response: "I will be the leader on the floor every day; making sure the game flows how we want it to, holding everyone accountable each day, and never take a day off." Dyaire is looking for a big year from the Jets this season.
Sebastian Gray is the second leading scorer returning for the Jets in the 2017-2018 season. He was a very big key in how the Jets finished the year on an unforgettable run. Sebastian averaged 11.9 PPG, 8.1 RBG, 2.2 APG, and shot 43.3% from the floor. The summer was very big for Sebastian, as he went to the Top 100 Junior College Camp in Dallas, Texas. When asked about what the Top 100 Camp made him realize and what he sees coming out of this season, here was his response: "The Top 100 Camp was a blessing for me, it made me realize where I was at against the best players in JUCO around the country," Gray said. "I want to see a family being developed here, a Confernce Championship, a Region Championship, and getting back to Hutch." The Jets are looking forward to a great year from Sebastian.
Denzil Haynes didn't get the playing time he wanted to get simply becasue of the fact that he was playing behind Sophomore at the time, Ty Lazenby. Denzil worked very hard on his game in the off-season and is ready to make a big impact for the Jets this season. Only starting in 5 games for the Jets last year, Denzil really came on late in the year help sparking a glorious run. He averaged 5.3 PPG, 4.6 RBG, and shot 51.8% from the floor. When asked about how much more of a role he was looking for this year, here's his response: "I want to make a very big impact this year; I'm going to be more assertive and much more aggressive on the offensive end as well as doing whatever the team needs me to do." Denzil will be a huge key for the Jets success this season.
Byrshon Bryant started in 13 games last season but played more of a defensive role for the Jets. Bryshon has spent the off-season really working on his offensive game and his outside shot. He averaged 3.1 PPG, 2.8 RBG, and shot 45% from the floor. While not playing very many minutes early in the season, Bryshon came on strong towards the end of the year helping the Jets make their run. When asked how Bryshon will impact this year's team, here was his response: "I am the anchor of the defense so I will use my voice to help out the guys", Bryant said. "I also will bring energy and hustle to every game and hit the glass to get more offensive possessions for our team." Bryshon is looking for a much improved role this season for the Jets.
Coach Shamburg enters his 17th season at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid and is very excited to see what this year's team can accomplish. Here is his thoughts on the four Sophomores: "Our four Sophomores; Dyaire, Sebastian, Denzil, and Bryshon should bring our team great leadership and experience. Playing in the National Tournament extended our season for two weeks and gave us confidence for the upcoming year. The first month of pre-season has been very productive in the classroom, weight room and on the floor. These four guys are physically and mentally prepared for a new season."