CUSHING LADY TIGERS
COACH: Mason Baade
Record: 2-23
OUTLOOK
The Cushing Lady Tigers enter the 2025-26 season looking to build on a foundation of experience, grit, and youthful energy under second-year head coach Mason Baade, who’s eager to see his squad grow through adversity and opportunity.
“We will be a very young team but will have many players that have had some varsity experience already under their belts,” said Baade. “We had a successful summer of camps, and several girls step up into much needed roles offensively and defensively. I am excited to see how fast-paced and aggressive our girls will be on defense.”
Cushing’s roster features a deep mix of upperclassmen leadership and underclassman promise, led by seniors Emery Turner, Faith Kessler, Tirzah Wade, and Gracyn Presley, along with junior Remi Powell. Though injuries have affected some of the team’s veterans, Baade is confident in the group’s resilience. “We have been unfortunately plagued with injuries to some of our upperclassmen this summer,” he said. “So, we will be looking for girls to fill their roles.”
One of the key returners is Makiah Shanklin (So.) who emerged as the team’s leader in points, rebounds, and deflections during her freshman season. “Makiah had a very strong freshman season for us last year,” said Baade. “She is a very physical player and one of our best hustlers on the floor. There isn’t a game that she isn’t on the floor trying to gain possession of 50/50 balls.”
Another bright spot for Cushing is Macie Townes (So.), the team’s Underclassman to Watch, who showed tremendous growth over the offseason. “Macie took a massive leap offensively this summer,” said Baade. “She was asked to be one of our primary ball handlers while we were short on guards and did an excellent job. She led our team in scoring this summer as a slasher constantly getting to the rim.”
Senior Emery Turner has been a model of perseverance after suffering an ACL injury. “She has shown a very positive attitude during her recovery, and her character is second to none,” Baade said.
Joining them on the roster are Harli York, Ella Turner, Kayla Swindell, Brylen Scalf, Ava Roberson, Brynlee Barsin, Kaizley Beeler, Elyana Pulido, Alli Bales, Avery Emerson, Scarlett Eyeler, Allie Main, and Aubrie Gray — a deep group ready to compete.
With a determined young core and strong senior leadership, Baade believes this season will be one of growth, energy, and relentless effort for the Lady Tigers.
