By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

After capturing its first victory of the season with a 47-27 win over John Essex High School on Tuesday, the Keith Bears boys basketball team is looking to continue the momentum Friday night.

The Bears (1-2) will face the Wilcox-Central Jaguars Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Keith High School.

Keith head basketball coach Tommy Tisdale said the Jaguars will present a tough challenge for the Bears.

“They’re a very good team,” Tisdale said.

“Last year we played in the Final Four in Birmingham and Wilcox was another team from the area that played in the Final Four in Birmingham. They’re going to have some experience back and they know how to win, they’re well coached, they shoot the ball very well. Coach (Robert) Duke does a great job with his team.”

Tisdale said the game will give the two squads a chance to renew a rivalry that’s been dormant for a short time.

“We hadn’t played each other in four years, so it’s kind of like a renewed rivalry,” Tisdale said.

“My community decided to get them back down here and we’re excited to have them.”

After two tough losses to open the season, including a 58-56 defeat to Francis Marion and a 37-36 loss to Selma High, both in the closing minutes of the game, Tisdale said the Bears are a team that’s focused on winning.

“Like I tell our guys over and over, a lot of people say we played good the first game, you went up to Selma and gave them a good game,” Tisdale said.

“I tell our guys timeout with that.

“We don’t suit up to give folks a good game. We suit up to win.”

Tisdale said the Bears have improved in each of their last two games, especially in defensive communication, and they’ll need that in order to win Friday night.

“We’re going to have to defend because they’re going to shoot it and they’re going to get up and down the court,” Tisdale said. “I’ve been preaching to my guys since we played Selma, we’re going to have to defend.

“If we can do that, rebound a little better and make some free throws, I think we’ll be alright.”