By Chris Sharp
Men’s Basketball
With fall approaching, basketball fans know the season is on the horizon. Pensacola State College (PSC) men’s basketball team is preparing for the start of the 2017-18 season.
Last season’s men’s basketball team finished 12-15 in addition to losing their last five conference games.
On first glance, Pirates fans could seem worried due to losing key contributors to last year’s team such as Harrison Curry, SO- F, averaging 14.5 points; Cameron Allen, SO-G, who averaged 14.4 points, with 4 assist a game; Kani Coles, SO-F, who averaged 8.3 points, and 6.9 rebounds.
Losing that much production can play a crucial role in the success of a team.
Having to rebuild half of a team can affect everyone, including the players and coaches, especially when the players who left were as vital to the team as these were.
Assistant Coach Justin Wright, understands that.
“We’re up in the air with what our identity will be this season,” said Wright. “Right now we are still learning the little things.” PSC will gain six incoming freshmen to fill roster spots on this year’s team which puts a high responsibility for those new players.
The Pirates will host Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) on November 2nd. Come show support and give the Pirates an extra boost.
Women’s Basketball
The Lady Pirates lost five of their last six games to conference opponents last season but now have started the new season with a new mentality. They are embracing their tough times last year and using it as fuel for this season.
“A large majority of our kids contributed a lot of minutes offensively and defensively now have a lot of experience,” said Head Coach Clenita “Penny” Belford. “They know what it takes to play in this conference.”
If the Lady Pirates want to be successful, they will need to get help from several of their veteran players: Naterria Luster, Mylashia Yancey, Savannah Walker, Kaloni Pryear, Ahyiona Vason and Nia Johnson.
For a team to be successful, there needs to be key players willing to step into a leadership position. Sophomore guard Kaloni Pryear has shown what it takes to be that leader.
“She is the person who echoes and repeats everything I say. Behind the scenes, she is making sure that everything that needs to be done is done.”
PSC Lady Pirates will start the season away against Coastal Alabama, November 7th. Their first home game will be on November 20th, against Southwest Tennessee Community College.