Selma roundball on deck

Published 1:13 am Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Kerry Mitchell (blue) and Andrew Howard (white) face each other in the tip-off at the start of Selma High School's Midnight Madness scrimmage early Monday morning. Monday was the first day for AHSAA basketball practice.-- Brian Tynes photo

SELMA — One day into basketball practice and Selma High School is already giving its fans more than they expected.

During a Midnight Madness event early Monday morning, the Saints ran a scrimmage to kick off its basketball season. Two eight-minute halves were scheduled, but the game was tied to overtime was in order. The final score was 72-68.

“It’s not bad for a first practice,” Selma High coach Woodie Jackson said. “We’ve been doing a good job. Our conditioning is fair. We’ve got a lot to work on.”

Email newsletter signup

The Saints ran through some warm-up drills then squared off against each other in a five-on-five scrimmage, but didn’t run any set plays.

“We’re just running open,” Jackson said. “We’re in a 1-2-2, it’s not anything structured.”

Admission to event was two canned goods that went to benefit The Salvation Army. Jackson said the canned food drive will continue through Thanksgiving and canned goods will be collected at each Selma High home game.

Saints player Malcolm Riley said he was glad basketball season is here but knows the team has a lot to work on.

“We’re in good shape, but we need to be in better shape,” Riley said. “On defense we need to work on getting back down the floor faster.”

The Saints also practiced Monday after school and Jackson said the focus would be getting the fundamentals in order.

“We’re going to focus on ball handling and defense,” Jackson said. “We’re also going to do a lot of running. I’m going to blow the little ball out of that whistle.”

The Saints’ first game is Nov. 12 on the road against Keith. Their first home game is Nov, 16 against Sidney Lanier.