Basketball season is right around the corner, and the basketball team worked very hard for their first game, November 16 at Forest City.

The Tigers have a tough task ahead of them because they lost six seniors last year, four of whom are playing college basketball now, but coach Oliver Fitzpatrick is very excited and optimistic about this season.

“I like the group of seniors we have; many people don’t know them, and I think we have chance to prove some people wrong,” Fitzpatrick said.

The Tigers feature six seniors this year: Donald Richardson, Henry Dudley, PJ Hunter, Caleb Dallimore,Marquis Rudolph, and Clayton Murry.

Many people aren’t expecting much from the Tigers this year, but coach Fitzpatrick likes being the underdog. He’s ready to prove some people wrong.

“People don’t think we’re going to be that good this year, after we lost  four collegiate players from last year, but I think our players will rally around that and prove to be a nightmare for everyone else,” Fitzpatrick said.

The Tigers basketball team also features new assistant coach, Willie Larry. He is very excited about the opportunity at hand and is very committed to helping improve the team and will do whatever it takes to do so.

“My main goal includes helping student athletes realize their potential academically and athletically,” Larry said.

Not only are the coaches excited for the season to start, basketball star Donald Richardson, is very eager to start the season with his teammates.

“I’m excited to see all of the underclassman and new players to step up because I’m use to playing with a lot of upperclassmen,” Richardson said.

The Tigers are coming off a season where they reached the Final Four in the State Playoffs, and senior Donald Richardson expects nothing less than that from the team this season.

“This year I expect us to make it to at least final four just like last year,” Richardson said.

Coach Fitz and the rest of the Tiger players have been working really hard to have a great season. The Tigers first home game is on January 5 against rival  North Little Rock.

With the addition of a new assistant coach and some new players, the Tigers are poised for a good season. The games will be very exciting and all students should come out and support their Tigers as we all look forward to a great season.