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“It’s going to be whoever does all the little things right to win games.”
That’s what Escambia County boys basketball coach Rafael Adams said to describe his team’s upcoming Class 4A, Area 2 play games against W.S. Neal and Jackson.
The Blue Devils (7-5) will face WSN at home on Jan. 8. Tip off will be at approximately 7: 30 p.m.
Adams said he believes every area game is going to be a good contest, adding that whoever is the most disciplined team and whoever doesn’t turn the ball over the least will win.
“As long as whoever comes to play, I think we’re one of the best teams in the area,” he said. “All three teams are really good teams.”
Adams said the little things needed to win include diving on the floor to get the ball, protecting the ball when pressed and taking care of the basketball.
On the game against the Blue Eagles, Adams said the boys have to play sound defense.
“And to make sure we close out the shooters,” he said. “We need to have discipline on offense and defense, and to make sure we go through all of our defensive assignments.”
Adams added that the team needs to do everything as a team, namely not making it an individualized sport.
Adams said Jackson is quite athletic, and tall.
“From what I’ve seen, I think they can handle the ball better,” he said. “We’ve got to box out, and if we don’t, they’ll win by a lot. Just like W.S. Neal, we have to play sound defense and box out.”
Adams said the team’s goal is to finish as the No. 1 going into the postseason. If the Blue Devils finish as the top seed, they’ll earn the right to host the area tournament.
“I want to win the area because it’s a really good area,” Adams said. “It’ll mean a lot to the team, to myself and to the coaching staff; and a lot to community as well. We just really want to win the area. That’s evident in all that we do.”
Adams said if four of his players – Cleo Bolar, KJ Taylor, Tai Henderson and She’Marrion Matthews – play well, then the team will be in good hands.