Craigmont Chiefs, the 2011 TSSAA State Champions in Division AAA have 11 players returning from a roster of 15 players and will once again vie for deep postseason advancement. They will miss Kymerly Lezy and Rodnerius Lewis whom both have committed to Eastern Oklahoma College. Antonio Seals went to NCAA tournament participant in 2011 Murray State and the other senior is Wale Alkinbola who signed with UT Martin respectively. Head Coach David Taylor has assembled another strong group of young men from the undefeated Craigmont Middle team of 3 years ago to a very good senior class. At the same Coach Taylor with his great demeanor has received many awards for such a great season. Awards are As Follows: The Commercial Appeal Coach of the Year 2011, TSSAA Coach of the Year 2011, and the A.F. Bridges Coach of the Year Award all in same calendar year, Congratulations Coach Taylor on your hard work that has paid off ten fold. With a strong groups of seniors at the fore front with Sam Craft (6'0 - 180 lbs., rivals #) who has some of the best hands in the city will lead the team at the guard position especially after having a very strong off season on the summer circuit.  Another senior Darius Gibson (6'6 - 210 lbs., rivals #) will control the middle with his high vertical jump and explosiveness around the rim. Senior Robert Houston (6'2 - 185 lbs., rivals #) left hand jump shot will be one of the better shooters around the city and his veteran leadership will be very vital. Senior Calvin Chambers (6'1 - 180 lbs., rivals #) will concrete a very solid rotation and his experience last year will be extremely important all year long especially early in the season. Bartlett and Craigmont will battle during the season and don't forget Cordova whom has played in the championship game last two years and also can play with the other Division AAA counterparts. Craigmont has won the District 4 out of the last 5 years, 3 sub state appearances to also include two state showing at the same time plus last years gold ball.

      The Chiefs will participate in the annual Martin Luther King Tournament at Melrose High School. The Chiefs will travel to Bristol, Tennessee for the prestigious Arby’s Classic December 25-31, 2011. On January 20, 2012 they will meet national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia in the Penny Hardaway Classic during Martin Luther King Holiday. They also will match up with ECS in the Private School versus Public School Event.  

      Sophomore Ron Cochran (6'5 - 250 lbs., rivals #) baby shaq type of body will assist big time in the middle and be a great addition to the rotation for the middle albeit. Junior Malcolm Taylor (6'8 - 225 lbs., ., rivals #)  will be another big body to add to the mix and can’t be nothing but a plus with that size. Like I tell all kids 6’8 or more, listen hear young man you are in a certain position many kids would love, you are guaranteed a scholarship due to your cards correctly. Another strong sophomore is Ladarius Smith (6'4 - 195 lbs., rivals #)  will contribute and be expected to play valuable minutes all season long. Craigmont seems every year that it can easily go 9-10 or even more deep off the bench with their trademark pressing defense. Some games it seems they have 6 players on the court respectively.