'Play hard, play smart' essential for Tigers

The Troup Tigers have reached the first round of playoffs two years in a row, with last year's team digging deep in the final stretch of the season for the five-game winning streak that got them there. With three returning starters, head coach Jeremy Thomas feels the team is in a much better position this year.

"We started completely fresh last year," said Thomas. "The team was really young, not really any varsity experience. This year, we should be a more wellrounded team with more experience and improved skill level."

Thomas was also part of last year's fresh start. As a first-year head coach, he led the Tigers to a 14-18 overall record, with a 9-5 district showing. The team lost to San Augustine in the bi-district round.

Returning starters Cordell Jiles and Nick Harrison both earned all-district honors; Jiles has also been tapped as a preseason honorable mention allstate player by Texas Basketball Magazine.

A staple of last year's squad was all-around athlete Tell Ross, a first-team all district pick and the team's leading scorer, as well as an overall leader.

"Tell was very valuable," said Thomas. "He was able to knock down open shots and was our goto person on set plays."

Thomas has pegged the team's third returning starter, Reggie Wade, for the daunting task of filling Ross' shoes.

"It's fair to say I expect a lot out of Reggie Wade," said Thomas. "I look for him to step up and fill the void left by Tell, and to score a little more."

Another position in question for the team is post. Thomas has two players with the height - 6'3" Justin Dickson and 6'6" Chris Ward - but not the experience.

"They're unproven commodities," said Thomas. "Troup played fall league ball, but they haven't played a lot of varsity."

Another player with potential is Seth Weaver, up from the junior varsity. Thomas said Weaver has improved substantially in the offseason.

"I really expect him to contribute some positive minutes," said Thomas.

Thomas said the team is blessed with athleticism (all but four of his players are also playing football), and he plans to run on offensive and take advantage of the team's quickness.

Last year's team turned the ball over a lot, said Thomas, but he expects improvement in this area.

"We are better fundamentally," said Thomas. "They are learning the game, when to take good shots, how to execute the offense better."

"They are good coachable players," he added.

The Tigers begin their season Tuesday, Nov. 21 at home against Winona. The team has a tough schedule and will play a lot of 3 and 4A schools. In district play, the coach expects the state champion Arp team to be a favorite, along with Tatum, a playoff team last year in 3A.

"I'm excited about this year. We'll be much improved from last year," said Thomas, in his sixth year of coaching. "Will improvement mean more wins? I don't know."

"Last year, we played hard, but not smart," said Thomas, citing lack of experience as the culprit. "The key this year is play hard, play smart and play together.

The Tigers open their regular season on Nov. 21 against Winona.