Dorrian Williams’ initial foray into coaching at Millwood High School was steeped in nostalgia, evoking memories of his illustrious time as an All-State player at Douglass. The culture, tradition, and overall ambiance of his days at Douglass, swathed in orange and black, were deeply ingrained in his heart. Stepping foot onto the court at Millwood brought forth a wave of familiar nostalgia, as he found that it mirrored the environments he cherished at Douglass. The opportunity to assume the coaching role felt serendipitous, especially given the trust he had fostered while coaching some of these players since their early years in the fifth grade.
This trust bore fruit in the locker room at Millwood during Williams’ maiden season as head coach. It was particularly evident during their recent regional championship victory, where the seniors took charge, effectively clinching the win. Notably, guard Xon Williams delivered a stellar performance, exhibiting his prowess by scoring 18 points and contributing five steals in the game. His resilience and agility on the court played a pivotal role in securing the victory.
Dorrian Williams remarked, “It was truly our robust defense that set us apart from our opponents throughout the entire game. We have all displayed unwavering focus on the defensive end in recent weeks, and this preparedness has, in turn, stimulated our scoring opportunities on a nightly basis.”
Furthermore, Xon Williams, who assumes the position of the team’s vocal leader, initially harbored reservations about staying at Millwood following the departure of the former coach. However, the decision became more palatable upon the announcement of Dorrian Williams’ appointment as the new head coach. Williams’ profound rapport with the players, coupled with his keen understanding of their needs as a former player himself, solidified his influential presence within the team.
Prior to his tenure at Millwood, Dorrian Williams enjoyed a celebrated basketball career, steering the Trojans to consecutive 4A state titles as the point guard. Subsequently, he continued his success at Missouri State, accumulating impressive statistics over a span of five seasons. His accolades, both as a player and a coach, are widely revered within the Oklahoma high school basketball community.
In assuming his new role at Millwood, Williams aspires to mentor his players, not only in the realm of basketball, but also in life itself. His primary objective is to furnish the players with the opportunity to pursue higher education and emerge as responsible individuals. For Williams, coaching transcends mere on-court victories; it encapsulates the paramount aspiration of making a positive impact on the lives of the players each day.
Ultimately, Dorrian Williams’ influence has galvanized the basketball program at Millwood, and his unwavering dedication to the holistic development of his players distinguishes him as an exemplary coach.
Jordan Davis is an esteemed correspondent covering high school sports for The Oklahoman. To propose potential story ideas or to make contact with Jordan, queries may be directed to him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @jdavis34_. Additionally, readers seeking expanded high school coverage may register for The Varsity Club newsletter. Those interested in endorsing Jordan’s journalistic endeavours, as well as those of other esteemed Oklahoman reporters, may avail themselves of a digital subscription at subscribe.oklahoman.com.