The Indian basketball team is playing in the Abilene Wylie tournament this weekend.

The 81-52 win over Idalou on Dec. 7 brought the Indian basketball  record to 4-2 going into what should prove to be stiff competition in Wylie.

“The Wylie tournament will be a good test,” Coach Paul Page said. “It prepares us well, and they are good teams that require us to play well with each game. We are excited about the opportunity.”

Guard junior Jarod Adams said the tournament will be tough and test the team’s physicality.

“The tournament will determine how we are able to bounce back,” Adams said. “It will also determine how tough we are both mentally and physically.”

Post senior Brennon Evjen said the tournament will be a big test.

“The tournament will determine what we can do under pressure,” Evjen said. “It will also prove what we can do against other teams.”

The Wylie tournament will determine more than just physicality.

“It is still early in the season,” Page said. “The tournament will determine how well we are coming together.”

The Indians will play in the Caprock tournament later in December.

“Last year we got third in the Caprock tournament,” Evjen said. “We want to try to match that or do better.”

The team is still adjusting now that it has all its players back from football postseason.

“We are still working hard to get better as a team,” Evjen said. “We are making progress.”

Adams said the progress is just getting back into the gym and making shots.

“So far we are very pleased with the progress of the kids,” Page said. “They are playing hard and giving everything they have every night.”

The Indians have a size advantage this year.

“Our strength is our height,” Evjen said. “We have some of the tallest players in West Texas.”

Size is definitely a good thing but not the only strength.

“We get back in the gym and practice our shots,” Adams said. “Our strength is shooting.”

Practice time has suffered so far.

“Our weakness is trying to find enough time in the gym.” Page said. “We are still trying to catch up with practice.”

Evjen said the team is working on unity but with practice the team will work hard and prepare for district.

“District looks pretty good,” Evjen said. “There will be some tough teams like Monahans and Andrews. We will work hard to beat them.”

The team is still unsure about district but are working hard to get ready.

“Its still early but all the teams in district are playing well,” Page said. “District will be tough this year.”

With district play looming in mid-January, the Indians must gel together in the next month and stay focused.

“Before games we listen to some music for motivation,” Adams said. “Coach Page gives us a speech before we go out and play. We give our all out on the court and play our best.”