The 2024-25-basketball season for the Checotah Lady Wildcats saw a lot of change and improvements from last year’s team. Checotah head coach Wes Cloud did something that has never been done in Checotah school history, defeating rival Eufaula three times in the same season en route to a 13-13 record and a long post-season. Checotah proved that they had talent in all positions and played as a unit.

The Lady Wildcats with Ruby and Ruthy Folkner controlling the baseline, Sidney Hamilton and Hailey Prince in the paint and Shyanne Made well at point guard was a force to contend with. Checotah also had numerous underclassmen contribute to their success in Logan Dowdy, Jaz Atkins, Nakia Carr, Kami Hamm and others. The future looks bright for Checotah going forward.

It is with great honor to announce the following 2025 McIntosh County Democrat (MCD) Checotah Lady Wildcats Players of the Year.

The 2025 MCD Lady Wildcats Most Valuable Player of the Year is Shyanne Madewell.

Madewell proved to fans and opponents that she can score and defend with the best of players. Her leadership on the court was pivotal. Madewell is a phenomenal three-point shooter and free throw shooter. Her ability to force turnovers and score in transition was uncanny.

Madewell averaged 11 points, four defensive rebounds and two offensive rebounds per game. She shot 44.7% from the field, 75% from the free throw line and 33.9% from the arch. She averaged two steals and assists and four defensive rebounds per game.

The 2025 MCD Lady Wildcats Offensive Player of the Year is Ruby Folkner.

Folkner was terrific driving the baseline and scoring or muscling her way through the paint to score or rebound. Folkner is a very unselfish player with great speed and agility. She averaged 44.1% from the field, 10% from the three-point arc and was a 66.7% free throw shooter, averaging three steals, two assists and four rebounds per game.

The 2025 MCD Lady Wildcats Defensive Player of the Year is Ruthy Folkner.

Folkner was an incredible defender with speed and quickness and very smart on the court. She used her skill set to force turnovers and grab defensive rebounds. Folkner averaged four defensive rebounds, two assists, and three steals per game. She played a key role in the success of the Lady Wildcats’ defense and led by example.