Summer is a time to get better.

Players from the Selma High School boy’s basketball team are using this summer to do just that.

“We have some players that have been playing with some travel teams,” said basketball coach Woodie Jackson. “But we have also been playing in some tournaments as a team.”

Jackson said the team used the summer to find weaknesses to correct before games start in the fall.

“Playing together lets you know if you are weak in the post or at the point,” said Jackson. “Sometimes it shows you are weak at both. But it allows you to see how some new guys fit in, too.”

Malcom Riley and Charles Eaton are two of the Saints playing on travel teams this summer to improve their game.

“The level is different,” said Eaton, who is playing with the Alabama Challenge. “We are playing some of the best from around the country, it’s just a higher level of play.”

“Playing in the summer gives you a chance to play with some really good players,” said Riley, who is playing with the Bama Boyz out of Prattville. “That is only going to help us build and get better for our season.”

Eaton said the Saints have matured in their games together over the summer.

“We are getting better as a team,” said Eaton. “Our players are maturing and are dedicated. We are trying to get better so we can get to Birmingham this year.”

Riley echoed his teammate.

“We are looking to have a good season,” said Riley. “We look to go even farther than we did this past year, our goal is to make it to Birmingham and playing this summer has helped.”