LUTHER LIONS
COACH: Terril Hankins
Record: 11-15
OUTLOOK
The Luther Lions enter the 2025-2026 season under new leadership, as head coach Terril Hankins takes over the program with a focus on building a foundation of discipline, effort, and growth. Despite being a young and largely inexperienced group, the Lions are anchored by one of Class 2A’s premier players in senior A.J. Hattenhauer (6-7, PF/C), giving them a cornerstone to build around.
“This is my first year at Luther,” said Hankins. “We are led by the only returning starter, 6-7 senior A.J. Hattenhauer. It’s a very inexperienced team but has a lot of young talent.”
Hattenhauer is expected to be one of the most dominant interior players in the OKC area this year. “He is a leader in every sense of the word,” said Hankins. “A.J. will be one of the top players in 2A and in the OKC area this year. He’s capable of a double-double any night and could average one for the season.”
Hankins praised his senior’s all-around game and leadership both on and off the floor. “He’s an exceptional shot blocker with excellent anticipation and timing,” Hankins said. “He’s an excellent passer and ball handler for his size. He makes good decisions with the ball, is extremely coachable, and can play inside or outside. He’s athletic enough to guard any position if asked. He’s a definite college prospect at the Division II, NAIA, or junior college levels.”
The Lions’ future is also bright with young talent ready to contribute early. Freshman Nash Manhalter has already turned heads with his skill and maturity. “Nash is a freshman combo guard who shows a lot of poise for a freshman,” Hankins said. “He’s a good shooter and ball handler and is set up to have a solid freshman season and an excellent high school career.”
Senior Cord Manhalter provides leadership and stability. “Cord is a highly intelligent student and basketball player,” Hankins said. “He’s a four-year letterman, a leader in his class, and the definition of a student-athlete.”
With Hattenhauer leading the way and a young group eager to learn, Hankins’ first year at Luther promises to set the tone for an exciting new era of Lions basketball.
