The Long County basketball teams hit the hardwood Tuesday to face Toombs County in their first games of the season.
The Blue Tide is coming off a disappointing season, in which they posted a 6-19 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Boys’ head coach Deshon Brock said this year, his goal is for the team to make it back.
“I am looking to get progressively better as the year progresses. By the time the region tournament comes around, I would like for us to be clicking on all cylinders and be able to get into the state playoffs,” he said.
Brock said that to achieve this goal, the focus will be on fundamentals.
“I plan on getting back to the basics of basketball, ensuring we have a good fundamental basis, playing good quality defense and getting into transition as much as possible,” he said.
Returning players Brendon Scott, Danaron Anderson, Michael Abram, and Clay Strickland will be expected to be leaders on the team, the coach said.
“I am expecting them to provide leadership and set the example for the younger players to follow,” Brock said.
Some of those younger players also will be asked to be strong contributors. Brock said that Trae Davis, Stephon Adderly and Jamin Davis — all members of the junior-varsity team last season — are expected to have more of an impact at the varsity level. He added that freshmen Terry Smith, Raheim Izzard and Christian Bass might see some varsity minutes later in the season.
Brock said that he has not named a starting five yet, due to the football season and many players just getting on the court. Tuesday’s game against Toombs County is in Lyons and it begins at
7:30 p.m. The girls’ game begins at 6 p.m.
Long County had its annual Blue and Whiter inter-squad scrimmage Saturday. Results of that game, as well as a preview on the Lady Tide basketball team, will appear online and in Wednesday’s Courier.