Young Lady Tigers still in building stage

While most coaches have their hands full managing one team, John Torisky once again returns to coach the Lady Tigers as well — giving him twice the amount of work on his plate.

“It’s very challenging, but I love basketball,” Torisky said. “I have to get creative with the scheduling of practices and things like that. But my family loves basketball too and they’re incredibly supportive of me.”

In what will be his second year of double duty, Torisky’s girls team will feature a trio of seniors leading the charge — DaRilee Colburn, Julianna Eaton and Gracie Edgmon.

As for the rest of the team, Torisky said the Lady Tigers will feature just one junior and several sophomores and freshmen.

To get the Lady Tigers back to where they once were in terms of competitiveness, Torisky said the game plan starts with his senior players.

“Those seniors, we’re going to really rely on them to get us where we need to be,” Torisky said. “We’re still so young and we’re still trying to build something here, and they’re going to be an integral part of that.”

As the season progresses, Torisky said there is the possibility for more talent to be added to the varsity roster in the form of those on the junior high team.

“We’ve got some really good talent at the junior high level,” he said. “We’re really just trying to get better from last year and I think we are.”

As for the Lady Tigers area, they will also be squaring off against Sulligent — last year’s area champs — and Lamar County, who ended Red Bay’s season in the area semifinals.

“I think our girls have worked extremely hard in the offseason and I expect us to have a better year,” Torisky said. “Our area is still really solid, but it’s my hope that we can somehow get a subregional game and build on that moving forward.”