Crossover Preparatory Academy Boys Basketball: A Breakthrough 2025 Season Under Coach Durrell Robinson
The 2025 winter season marked a historic leap forward for the boys basketball program at Crossover Preparatory Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Under the leadership of Coach Durrell Robinson, who took the reins in his first season as head coach and serves as the Assistant Athletic Director, the team delivered not only the most successful season in school history, but also established itself as a rising force in Oklahoma high school basketball.
In just the third season of existence for the program, Crossover Prep set a new standard: 22 wins, a state tournament berth, and a run all the way to the HCAA Class 3A State Championship game, where they finished as runner-up to powerhouse Sunrise Christian Academy (KS). Coach Robinson sat down with us to reflect on the milestones, development, and culture shift that made this special year possible.
Record-Breaking Achievements in a Landmark Season
“This was an amazing first season for me,” Robinson said. “Everything felt like a first — and it was. From our first in-season tournament championship to our first winning record — it all meant something.”
And those firsts were plenty:
Mt. Olive HoopFest Champions
Third Place Finish at Mingo Valley Invitational
HCAA West Class 3A Champions
HCAA Class 3A State Runner-Up
Most wins (22) and first winning record in school history
Crossover Prep closed the season with a 22-8 overall record, collecting wins against top-tier opponents from across Oklahoma’s Class A, B, and 3A OSSAA divisions, signaling they could compete — and win — at any level.
Key Contributors Fueling the Success
This season’s success was driven by a balanced and tough-minded group, led by players who brought effort, versatility, and leadership on both ends of the floor.
Augie Pickard (6'3", Junior) was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, providing a dependable offensive presence and inside-out versatility.
Josiah Shaw (5'10", Junior PG) emerged as a dynamic playmaker, finishing as the second-leading scorer, team leader in assists, and top three-point shooter.
Gabe Higgins (6'0", Senior G) served as the team’s floor general and vocal leader.
Josiah Laird (5'8", Senior G) was the third-leading scorer and second in steals, giving Crossover toughness and consistent production.
Jamari Bandele (6'1"), the team’s best on-ball defender, led in steals.
TJ Clark (6'1", Sophomore) brought versatility, filling multiple roles with energy.
Brandon Macbee (6'0") was praised as the team’s "toughest player" and was second in rebounding, despite missing the first 14 games.
The combination of veteran leadership and developing underclassmen gave Crossover Prep both immediate success and a promising outlook for the future.
Building Through Adversity
Crossover’s 2025 run didn’t come without early-season adversity. The Bears had to start the year with a short-handed rotation, missing both Higgins and Macbee due to injuries while waiting for key football players to finish their season.
“For the first 15 games, we basically played with six or seven players,” said Coach Robinson. “But the team handled it well. Everyone stepped up.”
This early challenge forged resilience and helped build the chemistry that carried them through the postseason.
Senior Leadership: Setting the Tone
This year’s senior class helped lay the groundwork for what Coach Robinson believes will be a long-term winning culture at Crossover.
“They brought a great attitude and bought into what I was trying to build,” he said. “I’m thankful for this group of young men.”
Seniors Gabe Higgins and Josiah Laird in particular, were standouts for their leadership and energy. While they may not be returning, their impact on the team culture will be long-lasting.
Culture of Belief
When asked about turning points during the season, Robinson said it wasn’t one single moment — it was the accumulation of effort and belief.
“Everything added up,” he explained. “From our first win, to our first road win, to each game after that. As the season went on, I could see the team starting to believe in what we were doing.”
That belief became the foundation of a historic playoff run.
Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright
With a strong core returning, including the top two scorers, top rebounders, and steals leaders, the future is promising. Add in rising sophomores and incoming freshman Jori Cammon, a 6'3" 8th grader, and the pipeline is loaded.
Coach Robinson is excited, not only about talent, but the culture being established.
Offseason Focus: Strength, Skills, and Cohesion
Improving team strength is a top priority this offseason. “Everyone needs to get stronger,” said Robinson. Ball handling and shooting are also focal points in offseason workouts. With an eye on a return to the state championship — this time with a different outcome — the Bears are already back to work.
Final Thoughts
What Crossover Preparatory Academy achieved in 2025 goes beyond wins and losses. In just their third season, they didn’t just compete — they contended. They didn’t just play the game — they changed the narrative.
Coach Robinson and his team proved what belief, grit, and chemistry can create. And if this season was any indication, Crossover Prep is just getting started.
For full stats and more on the team, visit:
https://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/crossover-prep-(tulsa,ok)/boys-basketball/home.htm
. Coach Robinson sat down with us to reflect on the milestones, development, and culture shift that made this special year possible.
Record-Breaking Achievements in a Landmark Season
“This was an amazing first season for me,” Robinson said. “Everything felt like a first — and it was. From our first in-season tournament championship to our first winning record — it all meant something.”
And those firsts were plenty:
Mt. Olive HoopFest Champions
Third Place Finish at Mingo Valley Invitational
HCAA West Class 3A Champions
HCAA Class 3A State Runner-Up
Most wins (22) and first winning record in school history
Crossover Prep closed the season with a 22-8 overall record, collecting wins against top-tier opponents from across Oklahoma’s Class A, B, and 3A OSSAA divisions, signaling they could compete — and win — at any level.
Key Contributors Fueling the Success
This season’s success was driven by a balanced and tough-minded group, led by players who brought effort, versatility, and leadership on both ends of the floor.
Augie Pickard (6'3)
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