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Bartlesville High basketball begins its 2024-25 season a bit earlier than usual.

BHS will start on Friday night at home against Ponca City.

The Bruin boys are under new direction for the first time in 11 years.

Clent Stewart stepped away from the program after 10 seasons in the spring. BHS hired former Bruin playing legend and longtime successful junior college head coach Tommy DeSalme.

FULL BRUIN SCHEDULE

He has been working with a young Bartlesville group since the spring. He says most days since then have been spent working installing a full court defense, which he says could be the calling card of this Bruin program over the next few years. 

Bartlesville will have had four scrimmages by the time the Bruins tip things off against Ponca on Friday. DeSalme seemed pleased with the results, saying BHS competed against some of the better teams they’ve faced.

The full court defense paid dividends in those scrimmages. DeSalme says that opened the eyes of some of the players.

A 6:30 tip for the girls with the guys to follow around 8:00 in a double-header we will carry for you on KWON and KWONTV.com.

More on Bartlesville hoops later this week.