New Era for Jenks Basketball: Coach Mac Leads Trojans as They Fight for a State Title

Photo Credit: @jenkstrojanbasketball on Instagram

By: Cooper Williams

New year, new team, new chemistry, new opportunities, fresh start. This 25-26 season, the Trojans are looking for the ultimate accomplishment: Winning State. After a stretch of increasingly better years, the Trojans are looking to finally get to the holy grail, and prove their dominance in the state.

Head coach Daniel McChesney is entering his third season and is ready for the challenge and opportunities given this year. He started his coaching career at Will Rogers College High School, then moving to Hale High School, and finally coming to Jenks in the 23-24 season. In his first season as head coach, he led the team to a record of 16-11. After a more challenging schedule in the 24-25 season, it ended in a stalemate record of 13-13. 

McChesney thinks back on past seasons as positive, but didn’t reach the high goals he set for himself. When asked about what makes this season different in regard to his goals.

 “Personally, I’m my own worst critic. We have the talent, size, and pieces to make it to state, and I believe we have what it takes to bring home the trophy,” said McChesney.

To him, this team is bought into the work and ready to do what it takes to accomplish their goal of winning State. 

Not only is McChesney ready for the season, but so is Evan Goodwin (6-3, Sr.). Averaging 22 points a game last season, he is ready to prove that this team has what it takes to succeed and get to State. 

“I think that we have a group of guys that are more involved with the team and ready for the challenge,” said Goodwin in regards to the chemistry of the players this year. 

With that being said, chemistry isn’t everything for the team. In order to achieve the state title, they will have to fight, work hard, be dedicated, show emotion, and utilize their talent. To McChesney and the team, they’re not just fighting for a title, they’re fighting for a legacy.