By Blake Chadwick
Oxford senior Sam Wheeler has been playing basketball for over 12 years, and his passion for the game has only grown during that time. His dedication led him to play basketball year-round, transforming him into one of the most consistent players for the Wildcats. His drive to improve year after year has been the foundation of his success.
“He’s an absolutely great human being, who has worked hard over the years to make himself into the player he is today,” head coach Kyle Green said. “He puts in a tremendous amount of time on his game outside of season with individual workouts in Wichita and on his summer club teams.”
After spending a summer overseas in Spain playing for PHD Hoops representing the USA, the senior has come back averaging nine points per game on 42 percent shooting from the three-point line, two rebounds per game, one assist per game, and one steal per game this season.
“He has a very high-level basketball IQ,” Green said. “He’s a great teammate who supports others and is always working to make sure the team has success. We have several kids like that right now in the program, and Sam is one of them.”
The senior has come into the year with really high goals for himself and the rest of the team, and with a hot start, and some good games under his belt, Wheeler has already checked some goals off of his list.
“My personal goals for this year are to be an efficient shooter with high percentage and then win the SCBL and to have a shot at breaking the 50+ year drought of state appearances for Oxford,” Wheeler said.
