Hemingway boys trying to peak as playoffs near

By C.R. Cumbee

Staff Writer

Hemingway—Usually as the season winds down, the Hemingway Tigers are one of the top 1A programs in the state.  This year it has taken them a little more time to hit their stride, as success on the gridiron (playing in the state title game) caused the team to miss some of its key players throughout the early portion of its schedule.

“These last three weeks we’ve finally had everybody together for practice and they’re starting to get that chemistry and jell together.  Where we’re getting to now is normally where we would have been a few weeks ago,” head coach Barry McFadden said.  “They just needed time to play together and get a feel for each other and get back into the system.”

The Tigers are currently 14-7 (6-3) overall with a chance to finish first or second in the conference if they can win their final three region games.

Senior forward Jabril Solomon has been the most consistent player for Hemingway, averaging 10 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks per game.  Forward Azial Moye and guard Dominique Pyatt and wing Dominic Scott have led the team in scoring, with any one of them capable of having a huge game at any time.  Junior point guard D’armond Player rounds out the starting five.

“Teams can’t just concentrate on one guy each night.  They may see that one player scored 26 points one night so you focus on him, but someone else steps up and scores 20 that you weren’t expecting.  Our kids just share the basketball and they know that whoever has the hot hand is who we’re giving the ball to.  Everybody else has to play their roles,” McFadden said.

Rotating in off the bench has been guards Demetric Hampton and LaMichael Pushia, wing Michael Pushia, center J.D. Williams and forwards Jermaine Frierson and Tevin Williams.  Other reserves include Andre Wilson, Donovan Kinsley, Josiah Kinsley and Kevin Washington.

Hemingway will host Green Sea-Floyds before traveling to Lake View Feb. 3.  The Tigers end the regular season at home against rival Carvers Bay the following week.

“I’m trying to instill in them to take it one game at a time.  We can’t worry about what other teams are doing, we have to take care of our business first.  Don’t overlook anybody because every game counts.  Wherever the chips fall, they fall.  Take everyone seriously and stay focused,” McFadden said.

Contact C.R. at crcumbee2007@hotmail.com.