By By Chandler Myers
It was a busy week for our staff, and we put together several things for your viewing pleasure including the Thanksgiving and Pow Wow wrapper sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, a holiday gift guide and a guide to the 2008-09 basketball seasons of your favorite high school.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit with the majority of the varsity teams, speak with coaches, players and witness practices.
All seven teams look good. Whether they win more than they lose, it’s not for me to say, but they all have strengths that will help them be competitive.
The Escambia County Blue Devils boys are the deepest team in the area. They have 15 players, all of whom should bring something to the court.
With that many players, it should be easier to avoid fatigue and injuries. They also have several strong shooters that can help lead them to high scoring victories if they need to.
The ECHS Lady Blue Devils have the most talented team, and are led by two prolific scorers. Seniors Latesha Lee and Courtney English are the focal points of the team, but have several other players that can help get the job done.
The Cougars of Escambia Academy are really the only mystery to me. I was not able to see any of their practices due to the schedule I face and the timeslot they have to practice. The one thing that is known about the Cougars is they have several versatile athletes. Fast, agile players complimented with strong, aggressive players should boast for a good season.
EA’s Lady Cougars have to be the most conditioned of all them. Their practices consist of never ending movement, with tons and tons of running.
The Northview Chiefs are still trying to identify themselves. They have only played one game, and have had only a few practices as a full squad because football players have just joined up. Only time will tell how they grow as a team.
Northview’s Lady Chiefs have a well-rounded squad. All players have an important role on offense and defense. No one is more important than the other. This is an important aspect to have for a team because they all know they can help win the game.
Atmore Christian School boasts a boys varsity team and show a lot of fight. They don’t have the typical size of a boys basketball team, but they play physical and never give up. Their coach is trying to motivate them to do better through themselves as human beings, which is an interesting approach to the game.
This is kind of an introduction to the basketball guide you received with today’s Advance, and that I hope you enjoy. Good luck to all of the local teams with their 2008-09 campaigns.
Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123.