Basketball season is underway.  These student athletes have worked really hard to ensure a great season, and there seems to be a big emphasis on team chemistry with both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams.

First, we spoke with Tyrell Morgan, former Athlete of the Month last year, about his upcoming season on the varsity team for the first time. Morgan stated, “The team is a lot better than last year for sure, and Coach Tiggs has done a great job of turning the organization around.” He also shared with us the fact that he is nervous, but he is strong-minded and ready to continue on with the season.

Chandler Porter, another varsity player, is extremely excited for the season and really confident in his own abilities to help the team succeed. Porter said, “It’s gonna be a major breakout year for the team with increased team chemistry and lots of maturing for the team as a whole.” He also stated he really enjoys coming into the season feeling like a family with his teammates and just growing together in the sport with all of them.

We also spoke with the one and only leader of the varsity boys, Coach Tiggs. Coach Tiggs spoke with great honesty. “ I am not sure it’ll be a breakout season. [There] was not a whole lot of success by wins and losses last year, but the players have worked really hard this year to develop team chemistry. They are looking for more leadership as a whole, and if they can bring it all together, it’ll be a good year. They talk about the process and having a brotherhood aspect and wins come with those aspects.”

Tiggs also expects great things out of the team appointed captains Taesean Hicks and Dante Emmanuel. He said, “These guys were selected by our players, so I really expect to see them step up and be great this year for our team.” Taesean and Dante both are seniors with a great deal of experience on the court with the Bob Jones Patriots. 

We also spoke with our varsity girls’ team. Coach Reynolds, the girls’ varsity coach, stated, “I believe it’ll be a breakout year for the girls, 8 girls on varsity, lots of varsity experience, which should lead to success.” Coach Reynold expects a lot from captains Sydney Rasberry and Desmond Guinn because they are the most experienced on the team.

Varsity girl’s star Jae Walls said great things about the team and how it’s going to be a great year. “We’ve known each other since 7th grade. Our team chemistry is good, and we as a group has good team sportsmanship.” She also expected a big year for herself, Sydney Raspberry, Desmond Guinn, and Kamryn Night.

Basketball means a lot to these players and their coaches, and they hope to see you in the stands during their Home and hopefully even during Away games. The fans might just be the catalyst to make this season one to remember.