The McComb Tigers and Hilton Harrell have built a tradition that they’re not ready to see end anytime soon.
In Harrell’s past 16 seasons at McComb boys’ head basketball coach, the Tigers have assembled 14 seasons of at least 20 wins, including last season’s 23-10 mark.
This season, the Tigers will face a tough schedule as they look to keep that streak alive in 2009-’10.
“We have the talent to do it,” Harrell said. “Last year, we had a young basketball team. This year, we’re a very good basketball team and we’re experienced.”
That experience will be key as the Tigers face a plethora of Jackson-based schools this season, including their season opener Nov. 10 at home against Murrah.
Captaining this year’s team is Ladarius White, a 6-foot-5 sophomore point guard. Harrell called White a Mississippi Dandy Dozen candidate and said the sophomore is much improved from last season when he averaged 21 points and eight assists per game.
“He’s more knowledgeable of the game,” Harrell said. “He’s stronger, quicker and he’s a better shooter.”
Senior power forward-center Roderick Bland will help complement White, along with senior wing guard Daven Gooden (6-1) and senior shooting forward Timothy Martin.
Junior forward Tradarius Holloway (6-5) also will get plenty of court time, Harrell said.
Also expected to get plenty of playing experience will be the junior guard/forward tandem of Rayfield Allen and Kenyon Tobias and point/shooting guard Deonta Evans.
Harrell said Tobias possesses strong shooting and rebounding tools, while Evans has the capability of being a playmaker.
Along with his team’s experience, Harrell said their strengths this season include a talented, high-powered motion offense.
“These guys have played together for a while now, so they should understand the game,” Harrell said. “We’re better offensively. We’re capable of scoring on every possession.
“We’re going to have a very high-tempo offense,” Harrell added. “We’re going to push the ball up and down the court with lots of set and running plays.”
On defense, look for the Tigers to run a variety of sets. The list includes man, press, run-and-jump, 1-3-1, 1-2-1-1, 2-2-1 and zone.
Anything to shut the competition down,” Harrell said.
