Special to the Times-Journal

The Wallace Community College Selma men’s basketball team kicks off the season November 8 against Meridian Community College in Meridian, Miss.

The Patriots are off for almost two weeks before they travel to Tuscaloosa to play in the Shelton State Tournament on Nov. 20-21. Chattahoochee Valley, Shelton state, Southland International, Wallace-Selma are all scheduled to play in the two-day tournament.

The Patriots travel to Lawson State Dec. 2 before playing their first home game of the season against Wallace-Hanceville Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm.

In his third year as the WCCS Patriots’ men’s basketball coach, Johnnie McCalpine is expecting a promising season. With six returning sophomores and 10 new signees (four transfers), McCalpine is expecting improved play with a deeper more experienced team.

Trey Williams returns this year. Trey was second team All-Region last season averaging 10 points and 12 rebounds per game. Brandon Thomas also returns at point guard. McCalpine hopes the Patriots will be better at that position, which will open up play inside.

“Our main goal is to win,” McCalpine said. “We will definitely be more competitive than last year because of or experience. I feel this team is capable of winning.”

Following back-to-back home games vs. Lawson State Dec. 11 and Meridian Community College Dec. 15, they close the first half of the season against Gadsden State Dec. 16 in Gadsden.