Photo by: Henoc Kivuye
Oklahoma Christian University has seen a number of talented, instrumental players come and go from its basketball programs. Seniors Roz Hamilton and Kendre Talley, however, seek to make their careers at Oklahoma Christian more than a fading memory.
The 6-foot, 2-inch Hamilton – a product of a southeastern Oklahoma chicken and cattle farm in Idabel – claims that while Oklahoma Christian was not initially on her radar, her love for basketball led her to become a Lady Eagle.
“Both of my parents went here, and I wasn’t planning on coming here because I kind of like to do my own thing,” Hamilton said. “I had some other schools look at me for track and stuff but this was the only school that looked at me for basketball, and I knew that I really wanted to play basketball.”
One of Oklahoma Christian’s rare dual-sport athletes, Hamilton competes in the heptathlon during the track season, a multi-event consisting of the 100-meter hurdles, the high jump, the long jump, shot put, javelin, 200-meter race and 800-meter race.
Hamilton considers her teammates in the Lady Eagles locker room one of the greatest blessings from Oklahoma Christian, including three who mean a little something extra to Hamilton.
“We have a lot of seniors, which is nice, and there are four of us who are fifth-years and I’ve known those girls for a long time – Carli [Covalt], Kat [Morris] and Krista [Stevens],” Hamilton said. “I like them all a lot though; we all come from different backgrounds but I think we mesh really well. I’ve gotten really close to a lot of them.”
When Hamilton is not on the court or the track she dedicates her time to biology with one eye on the future, fully aware her time at Oklahoma Christian is nearing its end.
“It’s tough sometimes,” Hamilton said. “Right now I’m applying to physical therapy school, so that’s what I’m hoping I will get to do.”
While Hamilton represents senior leadership in the front court for the Lady Eagles, Talley fills the role for the men in the back court.
Talley exploded onto the Oklahoma basketball scene while in high school at Star Spencer in Spencer, Okla. The two-time first-team All-State selection led his team to a championship his junior year and to the semifinals his senior year.
A 5-foot-9 point guard who can soar to the rim is a hot commodity in collegiate basketball. Talley offered his insight as to why he made Oklahoma Christian his college of choice.
“I chose to come to OC because of the basketball, of course, but also academics,” Talley said. “I knew the value of an OC degree was great.”
The 18-year-old freshman that Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Hays brought to campus has since become the face of Eagles basketball.
Now, the senior leader is not only atop his team statistically, but the conference as well; he leads the Heartland in scoring, assists and steals. The humble Talley described the value that he places on his relationship with head coach Hays.
“Coach has meant everything to me on and off the court,” Talley said. “He treats me like his son and we’ve built a relationship through adversity and good times.”
Recently Talley has made his impact known, pulling in accolades left and right. On Monday Talley was named the Heartland player of the week for the second week in a row. Talley also added an NCCAA student-athlete of the week award.
As his collegiate career slowly creeps towards an end, Talley took a moment to critique his career while staying focused on his future.
“My favorite memory would have to be winning the first conference tourney in OC history,” Talley said. “In my career I can just say I’ve improved every year, and I look to keep improving.”
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