Wildcats Rack Up District Awards, Rollison Takes Home MVP
The 2023-2024 season was the beginning of a new chapter for Sulphur Springs Wildcats basketball, as they welcomed in almost an entirely new team, as well as a new coaching staff. While the new chapter may have gotten off to a rocky start, they quickly turned things around and continued a tradition of winning basketball that has been going on for years.
Despite a slow start in the preseason, the Wildcats were in full-swing by the time district play rolled around. Sulphur Springs won each of their first seven district games and finished 8-2, winning yet another district title. While their season came to an end sooner than they would have wanted, the season was a successful one by all measures, and now that it’s over, they were able to announce their All-District awards.
District MVP
Macaulin Rollison, Jr– Rollison had an exceptional breakout campaign this season, taking a leadership role as one of just a couple Wildcats with varsity experience. The junior led the team in almost every offensive category, including points per game (16.3), assists per game (3.0), as well as +/- (+9.9). He also did so on efficient numbers, shooting 44.5% from the field and an impressive 42.6% from behind the 3-point line. With another full year ahead of him, Rollison will look to have even better numbers in his senior season.
Coach of the Year
Cannon Earp– Coach Cannon Earp took home Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm in Sulphur Springs. Taking over a squad that lacked varsity experience and quickly got them back to a point of winning a district title, Earp and his staff did an excellent job with the Wildcats. Now with a full season getting to implement their systems and working with their players, they will look to keep the winning tradition alive moving forward.
First Team All-District
Carter Arrington, Jr– Arrington played a huge role for the Wildcats in 2023, spreading the floor and adding another element of offense. Arrington also bought into his role defensively, bringing effort on both ends of the floor. Arrington finished district play scoring 8.2 points per game and finishing second on the team with 2.8 assists per game. He and Rollison will look to play leadership roles in the 2024-2025 season as the Wildcats look to retain their district title.
Logan Jackson, Sr– Jackson was the leading big man for Sulphur Springs this season, and did so while also being able to spread the floor. With his ability to drive and also shoot 36% from behind the 3-point line, he added a level of versatility that was vital to their offensive success. Jackson also led the team in rebounds with 5.4 per game and tied with Arrington for the second-most points per game at 8.2. His +/- of +8.6 was also the second-most on the team, proving to be a big contributor on both ends of the floor.
Second Team All-District
Rafe Penson, Sr– Penson had a memorable senior season for the Wildcats, even breaking some records along the way. In the preseason he broke the single-game record for 3-pointers made and continued his strong shooting into district. Attempting five 3-pointers a night, he still shot a very efficient 38% from the 3-point line and regularly garnered tight coverage from opposing teams. Penson also did a good job protecting the basketball, having the highest assist-to-turnover ratio on the team and had by far the lowest turnover percentage of the team, coughing the ball up just 6% of the time.
Honorable Mention
Lane Hunt, Sr– One of the strengths of the Wildcats this season was their trio of big men, which included Hunt. Despite registering just the seventh most minutes per game, Hunt made the most of his minutes, bringing in rebounds and helping protect the paint. The big man also made a huge difference, finishing with the third-highest +/- on the team at +7.9.
Cadyn Spigner, Sr– Rounding out the trio of bigs was Cadyn Spigner, who played a largely defensive role. Spigner pulled in the second-most rebounds on the team, and was able to contribute without needing the ball, with most of his offensive production coming via offensive rebounds. The trio of Jackson, Hunt and Spigner forced teams to find ways to score outside of the paint and were quick to pick up anybody who did try to penetrate.
DJ Wilkerson, Sr– Wilkerson joined Rollison as the primary ball handler and returning Wildcat from last seasons squad. Wilkerson’s primary role was that of a distributor, always looking for an open teammate and ways to get everybody involved in the offense. He also played tight defense on opposing guards and was able to bring in just shy of four rebounds per game.
Academic All-District
Logan Jackson, Sr
Zac Thomas, Sr
DJ Wilkerson, Sr
Carter Arrington, Jr
