Good hoops are on the way.
On Thursday, Tallahassee State College men’s basketball will host Panhandle Conference foe Chipola College at the Bill Hebrock Eagledome. Tipoff at 7:30 p.m.
The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but Tallahassee’s winter storm postponed it for a day.
Chipola is ranked 17th in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s latest Division I rankings.
The TSC Eagles (15-6, 1-2 in Panhandle) return to action from an 89-81 road victory at Panhandle opponent Gulf Coast State last Saturday. The Chipola Indians (16-4, 1-1 in Panhandle) also beat Gulf Coast State in its previous game, 60-57 on Jan. 15.
“Should be a tough, good game,” said second-year TSC head men’s basketball coach Corey Hendren. “So we’re just getting geared up for what we know is going to be a battle. We will have to be ready to compete and try to eliminate any habits or qualities leading to losing that game.
“So, we got to take care of the ball, rebound, and be a disciplined team if you want a chance against Chipola.”
The Eagles versus the Indians always make for entertaining basketball.
For example, during the 2022-2023 season, the teams had a three-game trilogy, which ended with them sharing a portion of the Panhandle championship. Last season, Chipola swept TSC, but all were close games.
Additionally, Chipola eliminated TSC from the Florida College System Activities Association Division I/NJCAA South Atlantic District Men’s Basketball Semifinals last March with a 73-68.
“Knowing what to expect could be beneficial,” Hendren said. “But I think everybody’s improved from last year. We know that there will be a battle against these teams each night. We’re just trying to stack days and compete at a high level in the Panhandle Conference.”
Tallahassee State College basketball to learn about itself vs No. 17 Chipola College
TSC features a three-headed monster on its team this year.
Julius Clark, a sophomore forward, leads the Eagles with 15.7 points per game in his second season with TSC. Sophomore guard Julius King Jr. is good for 14.6 points per game. Tahj Johnson, also a sophomore forward, averages 10.6 points and leads TSC with 6.8 rebounds.
Other key players Hendren named were Justin Britt, Cole Crissman, and Alex Jasquith.
“We have depth this year, and many guys have impacted games at different points,” Hendren said. “I think that’s one of our biggest strengths ― depth. We can play multiple guys who can play in different ways based on who we’re matched up with that night.”
Thursday’s matchup versus Chipola can gauge where this TSC team is and who they are through 22 games.
And a ranked victory can spark a run for the TSC Eagles in the challenging Panhandle Conference.
“It’s always a good measuring stick,” Hendren said. “If you can win a game like that at home and gain momentum, it can be big for the year. And it gives you a picture of where you’re at and what you need to be. Each game gives you an idea of where you’re headed and if your team continues to grow in the right direction.”
Tallahassee State College vs Chipola Panhandle Game Information
When: Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bill Hebrock Eagledome
Live Stats: Here
Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
