Ethan Wilkerson

Ethan Wilkerson, an 18-year-old senior at Madill High School, is making a name for himself on the basketball court. This is his second year at Madill High School, however, he also attended the school for a couple of years in middle school. Wilkerson said he comes from a supportive family, with his parents, Stephanie and Jason Wilkerson, and his two younger siblings, Jaci and Jaden.

While he currently only plays basketball, Wilkerson also played baseball during his freshman and sophomore years. However, basketball has become his primary focus and passion.

He said that one of his favorite memorieswaswinning the Winter Classic earlier in the season, which highlights his dedication and hard work on the court.

For Wilkerson, basketball games are always challenging. He said he recognizes that every opponent is determined to stop him from scoring, making each game a constant test of skill and determination.

He credited his parents, who were both great athletes themselves, for inspiring him to be the best athlete he can be.

In recent times, his younger brother Jaden has become a huge inspiration for him. Jaden broke his leg during a basketball game, but his resilience and positive outlook on life impressed and motivated Wilkerson. Jaden's attitude and the way he treats others have had a profound impact on Wilkerson’s own perspective.

As a senior, Wilkerson offered advice to underclassmen, encouraging them to be the hardest working individuals in practice. He sid he believes that two players on the team, Cash Cooper and Ryan Anderson, will excel in the coming year.

Theircommitmenttohard work and effort serves as an example for the rest of the underclassmen, and Wilkerson said he believes that next year's team will surprise many people.

When reflecting on his own memorable moments, Wilkerson recalled hitting a game-winning shot against Kingston in triple overtime, which was a thrilling experience. However, he said he also cherishes winning two baseballstatechampionships during his freshman and sophomore years, highlighting his versatility and success in multiple sports.

Wilkerson noted that he holds great appreciation for his coaches, who have shown immense dedication to the team. He acknowledged the extra time they invest in the players and expressed gratitude for believing in the team's potential and setting them up for success.

Wilkerson said the love and support of his parents mean the world to him. He expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support and promised to make them proud.

Looking towards the future, Wilkerson plans to attend Southeastern College in Durant. His goal is to earn a degree while continuing to play basketball at the college level.

Throughout the last couple of years, Wilkerson has experienced numerous changes in his life, some of which were difficult to navigate. However,he said his girlfriend, Brynnan, has been a constant source of support and strength. He acknowledged her unwavering presence and expressed his gratitude for her support.

In a recent game, Wilkerson made headlines by scoring 31 points, reaching a significant milestone of 2,000 career points. This achievement showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, solidifying his status as a standout player for the Madill Wildcats.