Basketball season for Red Bay Tigers – Class 2A, Area 10

BOYS

John Torisky will be the first to admit he is not sure what to expect out of his basketball team this year.

The Red Bay Tigers have had a wealth of talent for the past few years. Last year’s players were a part of three area championships and four Northwest Regional appearances, including a state tournament appearance in 2020.

The bulk of those boys, however, have moved on, and Torisky is tasked with rebuilding and molding this year’s team to the high expectations Red Bay has built.

“There are a lot of unknowns with this year’s team,” said Torisky. “We have nine seniors, but only three have significant varsity experience.”

The three returners are all seniors: Andrew Ray, six points per game; Carson Corum, four points per game; and Landon Glover, six points per game.

“Andrew is our best defender and plays with a lot of energy,” Toriskly said. “Carson was our best three–point shooter, and he will need to be more of a scorer for us this year. Landon is our main post presence.”

“We have to be able to run our offense through the post to be successful,” Torisky added.

One thing Toriskly said he likes about this group is their chemistry.

“This is a close–knit group,” he said. “They are very unselfish, so I think we have a chance to be very competitive at the end of the year.”

GIRLS

Carlee Robbins is one of three Franklin County basketball coaches to get hired unexpectedly at the last moment. With the abrupt departure of Darby Madden early in the year, Red Bay had to scramble – just like Tharptown and Vina – to find a coach after the start of a school year.

No easy task.

Fortunately for Red Bay, the Tigers were able to turn inward and hire a current teacher and former player in Robbins. She said she is looking forward to the prospect of rebuilding the storied Tiger basketball program.

“I am very excited about the upcoming varsity basketball season I hope we are able to have a successful season,” said Robbins. “I am also excited about being able to be a part of the Red Bay girls basketball program alongside my aunt, Haley Hand. With Red Bay being our hometown, it gives us pride to be able to continue the Red Bay legacy and get the program back on its feet.”

Robbins said her team is ready to get on the court and compete.

“The girls have been so eager and excited during practice and getting ready for the upcoming season,” Robbins said. “That, in turn, gets us excited and eager to get the season started and see what all we can accomplish.”

Red Bay lost several players to graduation but also returns some talent.

Red Bay returns seniors Bella West, Emma McCollister and Sarah Eaton. Juniors returning are Kaylie Lindley, Madeline Ledbetter, Amber Mason and Jaycee Vinson.

Newcomers will include junior Kara Moody and sophomores Shelby Nichols, Ashlyn Deaton, Shaily Warren and McKayla Young.

Red Bay competes in Class 2A, Area 10, with Aliceville, Lamar County and Sulligent.

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RBHS BOYS ROSTER

0– Andrew Ray

1– Paden Allison

2– Hayden Seahorn

3– Holden Inmon

4– Elijah Luster

5– Cody Carnes

11– Bryson Hacker

12– Carson Corum