Friday, November 14th, marks the official date of when the Tennessee State University Lady Tigers open up their season. The team will once again open up their season on the road, traveling to Raleigh, N.C. to play the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
The Lady Tigers look to turn things around this season after turning in a 12 – 18 win loss card last season. The way they look to do so, is to meet the expectations of Coach Larry Joe Inman, and follow the lead of senior guard, as well as team captain, Rachel Allen. From a personal standpoint, she looks to better her game by getting extra shots up, and while doing so, developing a chemistry with the team. Basketball being a team effort, “the team is doing some of the same things to get ready for the season, and we are working extra hard in the weight room and getting extra time on the court together.”
Student and supporter of the women’s basketball team, Martavious Morton, noticed some of the strengths as well as weaknesses of the team last season, and feels that they’re not far from being a complete team from all aspects of the game.
“Despite the team losing just one more game two seasons back, the effort was still there, so adding a single win to the win column last season is an improvement. What’s really going to make the difference is the fact that the team lost one, maybe two players this past season, giving this group more time and more chemistry. Focus on the fundamentals of the game and they’ll contend.”
A team is only as strong as its’ weakest player,
“I think honestly our greatest strength this year is depth. We are deep at literally every position this year. We lost one senior last year and we’ve gained five newcomers. The freshman from last year are now sophomores which are developing well. Sometimes a teams weakness can be staying focused, and the way we correct that is by having great leadership that leads the team, one day at a time, but the main focus this season for us all, are the little things,” Allen said in a statement when asked about the strengths and weaknesses of the team.
Each player on this team has the opportunity to be remembered, while the team is driven by the hopes of being a champion at the end of the season.
“Coach Inman’s expectations are championships, but we expect that out of ourselves as well,” said Allen.
The Lady Tigers will remain optimistic and hungry throughout the season. Their first home game will be at 6 p.m., Nov. 17 when they take on Kennesaw State.
