09/03/2026
Team profile: Oakman High School Wildcats
The co-host Oakman Wildcats will compete in the 2027 MLK Jr. Unity Hardwood Classic at historic Glen Clem Gymnasium on the campus of Bevill State Community College.
Oakman enters the tournament as a Class 3A program coming off an impressive 19-12 season in 2025-2026, a campaign that included a Walker County Championship and a trip to the Class 3A Playoffs in Head Coach Ronnie Driver’s first season at Oakman.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Hampton Hall
Is a key returning Wildcat who is only a few points shy of being a 1000 point career scorer as a junior. Hall lead the team last year in points and second on the team in rebounds.
Barrett Panter
Starting every game at the pg position as an 8th grader last year; Barrett will look to play more combo guard for the Wildcats this year. Panter finished last year averaging more than 10 ppg.
Mason Buxton
The lone starting senior from last year Mason can play the 1-4 for the wildcats. The pass first and defensive minded guard showed flashes of being able to score the ball in bunches. Buxton finished last year averaging 9ppg.
SEASON OUTLOOK
The Wildcats will have plenty to prove in 2026-2027.
After graduating several key seniors, Oakman will rely on three returning starters plus a lot of new key role players to help guide a younger group. The Wildcats have intentionally built a tougher schedule designed to challenge them, prepare them for postseason basketball, and ultimately give them an opportunity to get back to the playoffs and advance further.
The culture has been set.
The Wildcats will continue to live by their core standards of being relentless, selfless, fearless, and uncommon.
