If there’s one thing all five Escambia County seniors agree on this week as they play in the Class 4A, Area 2 tournament, it’s to play as a team.

The Blue Devils tip off against No. 3 Andalusia at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Monroe County in the semifinals of the area tournament. If ECHS wins, it’s guaranteed another two games — the area finals and the sub regional.

The last time ECHS played AHS, the Bulldogs claimed the victory to force a three-way tie for first place. A coin toss determined the area tournament host in MCHS.

“I think if we come out and play hard, and play as a team, we should be able to pull out a win,” senior Devon Robinson said.

Robinson said a couple things the team learned after the loss to AHS is to rebound and play better defense without fouling.

When asked how one plays defense without fouling, Robinson said one has to slide his feet and try to get in front of the ball.

Triston Knott echoed Robinson’s feelings about how the Blue Devils must play this week, adding that it’s important to keep fighting, no matter the calls.

Knott, known for his finesse shooting around the arch, learned to shoot the ball from his parents, who played ball for ECHS.

“My parents were great shooters,” Knott said. “I learned from the best. As I grew older, I started working on my own, and started practicing on my own.”

Knott said he gets his playing style from just staying calm during games.

“I just like for the game to come to me, and not work too hard and over think,” he said.

For Brice Montgomery, just getting a chance to play basketball and impacting the game are what drives him as a player.

“I’m just ready to play,” Montgomery said.

Brandon Quarker is confident the No. 10 Blue Devils can beat Andalusia.

“Everybody seen we’re capable of that,” Quarker said. “I feel we can beat them again. I don’t think we came prepared as much as we should’ve for the second game. I feel like if we come prepared with the right mindset, it should be an easy win for us.”

Quarker said when the game is going at a quick pace, and the team may be down, it’s vital that they focus on defense because it can turn into good offensive play.

During senior night, Chillé Ford got the chance to play in his first game since Dec. 17, 2016. Ford tore his meniscus, which he’s getting surgery for soon.

He said it was a special night because he and coach planned the time on court.

“It felt great,” Ford said. “Coach and I have been planning this. I wasn’t supposed to play because I’ve got to have surgery. I told him I can’t miss senior night.

“I know what I wanted to do,” he said.

Ford got in the game and shot a 3-pointer in the contest against T.R. Miller.

“It went exactly how we planned it,” he said.

Ford said even though he isn’t going to play in the tournament this week, he’ll be helping coach the team.

Robinson is the son of Vernametras McCralin; Knott is the son of LaTonya Kemp and Jonathan Brown; Montgomery is the son of Martinous and Delinda Montgomery; Quarker is the son of David Quarker and Terry Quarker; and Ford is the son of Dorothy Adams.