Aubrey’s Analysis
The fall sports season is nearing its end, with some teams continuing into the postseason. That means the winter sports season is about to begin, and I’m excited!
Over the summer, I got to get a glimpse of what each school’s basketball teams could look like this season. Now, it was summer league, so the full rosters that come out in the next few weeks may have some variation, but the coaching style will remain the same.
Starting with Crestview, coaches Clay Hancock and Rafael Cratch have been hard at work building a culture at Crestview High School. Hancock has a talented roster full of athletes with size and skill. The story last year was that the team’s record didn’t reflect the talent on the court. Those two things will mirror each other this season, with what I predict will be a winning season.
As for coach Cratch, he has pulled out all the stops to get Crestview prepared for the season. Between summer league, summer camp, open gym and a trip to South Carolina’s basketball camp under Dawn Staley, Cratch has poured his heart into giving the team every chance to get better.
Over in Baker, coach Chad Martin and his returning players have had one thing on their minds: returning to the district championship. Last year, the Gators had the chance to go back-to-back but fell one shot shy to Paxton. That chip has remained on the Gators’ shoulders since Feb. 7.
Then there’s the girls’ team under new head coach Demeika McClendon. From assisting Niceville to a district championship of its own, Coach Mac looks to bring that same success to Baker. She’s a passionate coach who has worked hard over the summer to get her team into the mindset of “all for one.”
Laurel Hill also introduced a new basketball coach, Chris Bell. Coach Bell holds a very successful record from previous coaching ventures and has been welcomed to the Hobo family with open arms. The Hoboes aren’t afraid to put up a fight against big-time opponents, and Bell possesses that same “come and get it” attitude.
The girls’ team under coach Carl Henry is the same way. Coming off a very successful season last year, Henry and the Hoboes are ready to take on the 2026-27 season once again. His roster will see returning seniors, along with some new faces, but the winning mentality remains the same.
Before then, Crestview and Baker girls’ weightlifting will start their seasons Oct. 29. Coach David Oglesby at Baker has been eager to get his team back in the weight room, with a chance to win a 10th consecutive district title. For Crestview, coach Mark Purcell has taken over the program and will host Niceville and Navarre for the team’s first competition.
This may sound like a lot of sports already, but there’s more! Winter also brings in the soccer season and wrestling.
Now, fall is normally my favorite time of the year, but winter is making a great argument for itself with the lineup of sports coming into play.