Hanceville hopefuls

By Staff
Mike Self
FCT Sports Editor
With a win tonight over Lexington in Class 2A sub-region play, the Red Bay Tigers can secure their first regional tournament berth since 1995.
But the way Rory Carpenter sees it, tonight's game is far more meaningful. It's an opportunity to take the program to the next level.
Generating excitement about the boys basketball program can be an uphill battle at times at a school like Red Bay, where extremely successful football and girls basketball programs occupy most of the limelight.
Carpenter sees tonight's game as the next step in claiming a share of the grand stage for boys basketball.
Before the Tigers (14-10) can ascend to the next level, they must first get past a tough Lexington squad.
The Golden Bears (16-13) knocked off No. 9 Mars Hill in the first round of the Area 15 tournament before falling 76-73 in overtime to No. 2 Tanner.
Carpenter said that limiting Lexington's three-point shooting will be key for the Tigers.
Carpenter said he thinks the Tigers may have an advantage inside against Lexington, particularly with the strength and athleticism of senior post players Brandon Colburn and Randy Lowery.
Red Bay has the home court advantage for tonight's game at 7 p.m., but Carpenter knows that beating the Golden Bears will not be an easy task.