The varsity boys basketball team is competing in the 71st Christmas Tournament, sponsored by the Rome Rotary Club. The boys team has won 3 years in a row, and are looking to capatalize on a 4th. Junior Cam Selig and sophomore Nate Pitts give some insight on the preparation process and the tournament itself.
“The team has three-peated,” said Selig. “So we have high expectations to win again this year.”
Selig explains how Coach West has kept the team ready for the tournament this weekend.
“He has been putting us through some rough practices, they’ve been fun, but they suck,” Selig said. “We have been working hard, probably the hardest we’ve worked all year.”
Selig is very excited to play in his first Christmas tournament.
“I am excited to win, and to show the town that we have a powerhouse program,” Selig said.
The Tigers competed against Pepperell High School, on Tuesday, at Shorter University. The Dragons played Darlington a close game in the first half, but the Tigers pulled away 85-31, putting them in the semifinal game against Rockmart, on Thursday, Dec. 19th. Pitts shares his analysis on the game and their preparation for Rockmart.
“We started off bad so, that’s going to show teams to come punch us in the mouth early in the first half,” Pitts said. “We also showed in the second half what we can really do, and it shows how we play as a team.”
With playing as a team being important, being physically and mentally ready is also important.
“Obviously being physically ready helps you in game,” Pitts said. “But more importantly you have to be mentally ready for anything that comes at you, no matter who you are playing.”
Pitts gives an insight on how the Tigers plan to attack the Yellow Jackets.
“We play very aggressive and physical defense, we put our foot on their throat the entire game, and don’t let up,” Pitts said. “We play as a team unlike other teams, a lot of teams in our region and around us play more isolation ball, we have very good ball movement and everyone is very unselfish.”