The Escambia County Blue Devils’ basketball team lost three games to tough teams Saturday at a play date in Montgomery.

ECHS lost to two 6A opponents in Mountain Brook and Lee-Montgomery as well as the 1A state champion St. Jude.

“I think we did OK,” said coach Earlando Courtney. “I think we’re a lot better than what we showed though.”

Courtney believes that his team, which reached the Class 4A state final four the last two seasons, will remain extremely competitive in the division this year, but added that the Blue Devils are missing the game-breaking ability of last year’s senior leaders Tyrell Ford and Fred Knight.

“(Ford and Knight) could get the ball on one end of the floor and end up taking it to the hoop,” Courtney said. “We have a bunch of guys that are very good at one thing this year.” He said he’s got some good all-around players, some good shooters and good defenders.

“I’ve got two of everything,” he said. “We’ll have to develop the second thing for these players.”

Courtney said it’s up to coaching to make his players better all-around athletes. Good teamwork will also be important to the team’s success next season, he said.

“When we have five guys on the floor working in concert we’re great,” Courtney said.
He said he was impressed with a couple of guys Saturday, naming a shooter, Josh Hill and a post player, Dexter Williams. He said both players had great days.

Courtney said his team was scheduled for three play dates over the summer, but had to cancel one last month. This means they have room to fit another in before summer practice ends. The Blue Devils will host their final play date of the summer on Saturday, July 27 at the ECHS gym. Clarke County and Hillcrest-Evergreen will participate in the exhibition along with possibly Monroe County.