For Ponca City sophomore Tay Akers, basketball is more than just a game, it’s a lifelong pursuit fueled by discipline, faith, and a deep belief in his potential. A small forward with confidence and versatility, Akers has been immersed in the sport since the age of five, putting in countless hours of individual training, camps, and year-round competition to sharpen his skills.
Akers’ motivation is clear. He dreams of playing college basketball and ultimately going pro, and that long-term vision drives everything he does on and off the court. His journey has been shaped by several key influences, starting with his grandparents, who adopted him and provided a strong foundation of support and guidance. He also credits Jason Cain, his summer Woo Elite and junior high coach, for helping develop his game, along with Jacob Birnbaum, the varsity head coach who believed in him early. Birnbaum’s trust paid off, as Akers earned a varsity role as a freshman and now starts as a sophomore.
That early success included a major milestone: being named Offensive Player of the Year and lettering on varsity during his freshman season. Those accomplishments reinforced his confidence and set the bar higher for what he expects from himself moving forward.
In practice, Akers thrives on competition, especially when matched up against teammate Colten Stracener, who consistently pushes him to elevate his game. Rather than focusing on specific opponents, Akers challenges himself each game, measuring success by how much he can contribute offensively and how far he can push his limits.
Off the court, Akers stays active in Afro AM, church, basketball, and weightlifting, while balancing academics with the help of faith and family. He appreciates teachers like Mr. Brey Jr., a high school teacher and assistant coach, and Mr. VanCuren, who continually encourages him to stay positive.
Inspired by elite players like AJ Dybantsa, Akers understands the responsibility that comes with wearing a Ponca City uniform. Representing his school and community brings him pride, and he embraces the role of being a positive example for others, one driven possession at a time.
