While the new basketball season is still months away, the Apalachee High School varsity boys team spent several days in June getting an early start on preparations for the 2009-10 season.
Coach Kevin Morris said his Wildcats made progress in several key areas and will have a good jump on winter practice when it begins in October.
“All in all, I was pleased with what we did and what we got accomplished,” Morris said. “We are going to try and play a lot of people and play an up-tempo style. We should be fun to watch.”
AHS spent approximately two and half weeks working in practices and camps. The team traveled to Chattanooga for seven games where it went 6-1. Following a couple more practice sessions, the Wildcats traveled to Cumming and defeated Forsyth Central and Dawson County to finish the summer with an 8-1 record.
Morris then gave the players the remainder of the summer off to concentrate on other sports as well as to enjoy their break.
“Most of our players are involved with football and that season is coming up,” Morris said. “Also, I want them to be able to be kids and enjoy summer a little. In the long run it will help when they get back to me.”
Morris said he does use the approach of going away to camp to help build team chemistry.
“I believe it is very important to go away to camp,” the veteran basketball coach said. “This way you have everyone together and there are no excuses about not being able to get to practice for one reason or another. Even when they aren’t practicing or playing, they are hanging out together. The kids love it. They always have fun.”
AHS will continue to compete in Region 8-AAAA this upcoming school year. The Wildcats lose four of five starters to graduation so Morris will be looking to fill several gaps when the winter practice begins in several weeks.
