Indians look to build off championship season
“Last year was a historical season,” said Pate, who is entering his third season at ICC. “We had some outstanding leaders on that team, who will be missed but we are excited about the upcoming season and the six sophomores we have coming back.”
Indians look to build off championship season
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com
FULTON, MS - Last season, the Indians were a special team who earned the programs second MACJC State Championship in five years and the first under head coach Grant Pate.
"Last year was a historical season," said Pate, who is entering his third season at ICC. "We had some outstanding leaders on that team, who will be missed but we are excited about the upcoming season and the six sophomores we have coming back."
The six returning sophomores including last year starters Austin Timms (Mooreville) and Louisiana-Lafayette commit Tyrone Wooten (Memphis, TN), who played big roles in the Indians success last season. Timms picked up 89 rebounds, 22 assists and 18 steals and scored a total of 118 points last season. Wooten was a big time point producer in the Indians (17-10, 9-3) championship run scoring over 13 points per game, picking up 35 assists and grabbing 97 boards. Wooten also hit the game winning free throw in the state title game against East Mississippi.
Dee Gates (Baldwyn), Kevis Fleming (Robinsonville), Lakee Westbrook (Tupelo) and Ben Shannon (Tupelo) all came off the bench last season and their production filled a huge roll for the Indians. These sophomore combined for a total of 388 points off the bench and picked up a 134 rebounds. Even though the sophomores have quality game experience, the Indians will still have to fill those leadership roles early in the season.
"We're always looking for new leaders," said Pate. "In this two year system there is a lot of transition and it's almost like you're having to find those key pieces each year. I think our guys will step up and be the leaders we need, and I look forward to seeing what type of improvements we've made."
The Indians have several new faces this year as they have 8 freshmen on the roster. The fresh faces on this year's team are Josh Levi (Jackson), Jermichael Harris (Jasper, AL), Tory Lee (Columbia), Cody North (Tremont), Ron Davis (Edwards), Howard Thomas (Brandon), Barri Hill (Jasper, AL) and Sean Watkins (Tupelo).
Coach Pate's squad will begin their title defense on November 3 when they host a team they have seen this preseason, Lawson State (AL).
"We've seen them play this fall," said Pate. "They are an extremely athletic team and it should be a tough test for us here at home."
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