The Bradwell Institute Tigers are taking stock of their assets as they prepare for the 2010-11 basketball season.
Graduation leaves the team very young with only a single senior on the roster. The Tigers do not have a lot of height either, but that isn’t something they have had in the past.
"This year, we have a chance to have great team chemistry, which is definitely important going into the season," Bradwell head coach Pete Woodard said.The Tigers are coming off a 6-20 record from last year, but Woodard believes that record is not indicative of the Tigers’ potential.
"We expect to do well this year and have a season that allows us an opportunity to advance to the state playoffs," Woodard said.
To that end, the Tigers spent a lot of the offseason working to get better. In addition to participating in team camps, a couple of players also went to a Georgia Southern individual skills camp.
One area the Tigers expect to really improve on this year is on the boards. Bradwell’s lack of rebounding led to some losses in close games last season.
"We have to do a better job on the boards. Rebounding comes down to who wants the ball more and we just have to go get the ball," Woodard said.
Bradwell has long played in one of the toughest basketball regions in the state. This year the region has added Savannah stalwart Benedictine and newly formed Islands High School in its inaugural season.
Since the Tigers lack height they have learned to be flexible. They employ four perimeter players and one post man, but Woodard does not place the traditional position number on a player.
"Because of the type of offense we play, we have to have a five or post player but that post player might also be a perimeter shooter," Woodard said.
Players with versatility allow the Tigers opportunities to get everyone involved in the offense, and junior Anthony Campbell, who stands 6 feet, one inch tall, is a perfect example of a flexible player that could thrive in the Tigers offense.
"I saw a lot of growth from Anthony this summer. He is becoming a leader and when his confidence reaches his potential he could be very successful. He is a hungry young Tiger and ready to eat," Woodard said.
Bradwell travels to county rival Liberty for a scrimmage Tuesday night before opening the season in two weeks at the Joe Greene Tournament in Savannah.
"The kids are looking forward to the scrimmage because everybody knows each other, some are related and it’s for bragging rights," Woodard said, "You want to do your best and the kids to do their best but you still have to be able to use the scrimmage to evaluate your team to get ready for the regular season."