The Baldwyn Bearcats and Lady Bearcats basketball teams are hard at work, practicing every day preparing for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.
Coach Jason McKay and Coach Reneetra Pippin both have their squads running through the drills and smoothing out all the offensive and defensive details to be at their best when the season starts this Saturday.
Coach McKay has the boys team coming back from a season that saw the team go 32-3 and win the 2A state championship. The team returns three starters from last year’s squad – Romaro Crump, Martel Brown and Duke Upshaw. And the Bearcats also return reserves Conner McKay and Chet Barber, who saw plenty of action last season.
“We are happy with how practice is going,” McKay said. “The one thing we worry about is how these players have not seen many losses in their time at Baldwyn and you don’t want them to take those wins for granted. They have got to form their own identity as a team.”
With plenty of talent returning for the Cats, the team figures to be one of the best in the state and in contention for another state title. Baldwyn faces a tough schedule with plenty of road games but with experienced players and determination, the team has its eyes set on another great year.
“I think there is a possibility our record may not be as good as last year, but there is a strong possibility we could still win it all,” said McKay.
Eyeing more success
The Lady Cats are coming off a year that finished with a 21-8 record and has its eyes set another winning season and having more success late in the season than last year.
The team returns one starter in senior Timaya Stewart but hopes to quickly form a solid squad around quality minutes from a host of new starters. Keontra Tyes, Haley Sandlin and Shae Beene figure to fall into some of those roles for the upcoming season.
“The Lady Cats are hungry for wins and eager to started playing,” said Pippin. “We are looking forward to a great season.”
Not only are the Lady Cats looking for some wins this season, they have a vision for themselves this year to fight hard in every game and finish strong to the very end.
“In order to get something you never had, you have to do something you have never done before,” Pippin said. “Ever since I shared that quote, the team has a shared vision to fight to the finish.”
Both teams will get the season started this Saturday in the Smithville Classic. Be on the watch for all the scores, pictures and articles for the upcoming season as the Baldwyn News will cover both teams from beginning to end.
