THS boys look to be explosive despite their small stature
This year's Texas High boys basketball features a team with plenty of youth mixed with enough leadership and potential to possibly make a loud boom that would be heard throughout a tough District 16-5A.
However, if there's one thing the Tigers may lack in, it would be their size.
“We will have to do a good job of blocking out because of our size,” Texas High coach Keith Jones said. “Teams that control the boards usually win games.”
When Texas High played North Lamar in a scrimmage in preparation for the upcoming season, Jones saw how the stature of his players could change his game plan going forward in their 2017-18 campaign.
“Rebounding could be something we have to work on, which is what we saw in the scrimmage,” the coach said. “We are little, and this is probably the smallest team I have ever coached. We will have to box out.
“I like to have an up-tempo style of offense and press, but we may not be able to as much as I would like. As a coach, you like to play a certain game, but sometimes you have to adjust to fit the needs.”
Texas High won't let any of that slow it down, though, as it will bring a special philosophy that will be highlighted with quickness , guard play, balanced scoring and pressure defense that could prove to be a thorn in any foe's side. And
even though it doesn't have a dominant scorer on the roster, every player has the potential to contribute big numbers at any given time.
“I think there will be several games where five guys will be in double figures,” Jones said. “All five starters can handle the ball really well, so this will enable us to be really good at running our fast break. We are going to try to take advantage of our quickness by applying a lot of defensive pressure on the ball and in passing lanes.”
The team lost six seniors to graduation last year, but returns four varsity players, who are looking to add onto last year's 17-10 run that included a postseason appearance.
“We have a young team with majority of our players being juniors,” Jones said. “These guys have worked hard during the offseason and have spent a lot of time in the gym. I'm looking forward to see what they can do.”
Cole Drumm will be asked to step up and be the trendsetter and the voice for the Tigers.
“Drumm is our only returning starter from last season,” Jones said. “He does a great job in the weight room—helping the younger guys get stronger—and is a very vocal leader.”
Drumm will start the season-opener as a forward tonight against Tyler Chapel Hill at Tyler Junior College. Jacoby Johnson will start at the other forward, Kyle Wright at point guard, and Caleb Wilson and Quechez Clark rounding out the rest of the starting lineup also playing at the guard positions.
To add depth, forward Chris Mills, forward Cedric Kelly, guard Tim Moore and guard Lee Pusag will see their fair share of time off the bench.
As far as district play, Jones foresees challenges ahead for the Tigers, but he is not scared easily, as he has the expectations of competing at a high level in 16-5A play.
“Sulphur Springs is probably by far the most talented team in the district,” he said. They have three kids over 6-6 that are returning, and they can really play. Mount Pleasant was district champions last season, and will probably be in the mix again. The district from top to bottom was strong and will probably be the same this year.”
Despite his team's size, Jones believes in his players' ability and will not back down from any challenge.
“They really love the game. They work hard, possess the skills both as teammates and individually to play the game at any level.”
So will size be an obstacle in Texas High's path of making a big bang? Or will the Tigers present the explosiveness they potentially possess?
Only time will tell, but dynamite does come in small packages.