Indians will work as ‘one’ to win
Moving game pieces Coach Paul Page shows senior guard Ty Froman and sophomore post Blayne Childers where to move during an offense practice drill as senior guard Bailey Hughes watches. The Indians see first action in a home scrimmage against Permian on Nov. 8.
The Indian basketball began after-school practice on Oct. 23 and will face the news season as “One”.
“‘One’ is based on Romans 12:5,” Coach Paul Page said. “It is about unity and coming together. This season is going to take everyone working together as one body.”
With several players still in football, the team hasn’t established true leadership roles. Returning straight basketball varsity players include all-district honorable mention post senior Blue Franklin, senior guards Ty Froman and Michael Garza, varsity newcomers senior forwards Bailey Hughes and Dakota Crump.
“We haven’t had anyone step up yet,” Franklin said. “There hasn’t been anything significant yet, so there hasn’t been any need for someone to be a leader.”
Even without third-year veteran junior Sabraun Adams, who is still in football, practices are productive.
“Practices are good,” Page said. “The kids are excited and eager. That makes practice fun.”
Facing bigger schools is going to be a challenge for the team this year.
“Playing bigger school makes me a little nervous,” Senior point guard Ty Froman said. “I’m sure Coach Page will have us ready.”
Along with bigger schools, having four teams advance to district this year brings new challenges to the team.
“For one, there is no bye,” Franklin said. “It creates potential for upsets.”
Even without a bye, the Indians expect to protect their undefeated district run which currently sits at 40-0.
“We hope not to be fourth,” Page said. “Since there is no longer a bye, it get a district game under our belt.”
Since football is still going on practices don’t have the look of the entire team as a “jarsity” team is working together in the event of football playoffs.
“I don’t think we are that focused yet,” Franklin said. “Once Coach Page gets us to focused, we’ll be alright.”
The staight basketball members have been playing together since June in both summer and fall leagues without Page at the helm.
“Playing summer and fall league gets us ready for the bigger schools,” Page said. “Getting extra reps is important to skillfully keep up wth bigger schools.”
The Indians’ first scrimmage is at home on Nov. 9 against Permian.
