IN THE BORO
GEKYLE BAKER , JUNIOR
BY AJ WARDEN
The varsity boys basketball team had a deep run in the playoffs last year , losing to Paris High School in the third round . There are high hopes this season for the team to play well and advance deep in the playoffs again .
“ I am very excited for another season , each team is different each year ,” Head Coach Brent Smith said . “ Looking forward to what this year ’ s version of the Bears will bring to the table .”
The Bears always plan on making a deep playoff run , players and coaches included . There are always high hopes for the team and they are building up while moving players up to the varsity level .
“ I am excited for the new season , hopefully we can pick up where we left off last year ,” senior Jacob Hopson said . “ We have been working hard on the offseason while looking at different players to fill key roles after several have graduated .”
This year the Bears will have a challenge starting district on Dec . 20 . This is a lot sooner than normal , as a result of the district growing to a seven team district instead of a six team district .
“ One of our challenges is getting players used to a new role with new members , and getting new players acclimated to varsity basketball ,” Smith said . “ We want to play the best basketball we can by the time district starts , and district starts December 20th this year , so we will have to prepare sooner .”
The Bears have worked hard throughout the summer playing in summer leagues and trying their hardest to prepare for the season .
“ We have had to step up after losing some key roles on the team for this season ,” senior Tanner Ballard said . “ We also have been working very hard this season because of that and plan to make it deep in the playoffs again .”
The first boys basketball game will be held on Nov . 18 at home against White Oak . District will be starting Dec . 20 against Lindale . All teams in the district are Lindale , Mabank , Athens , Canton , Cumberland Academy , and Van .
BEARS
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