Both the Tigers and Lady Tigers sit at the midway point of the basketball season at 7-5 and like every other coach, Corey Parish is aiming for improvement heading into division play.
“The boys and girls have both performed well in the first half and both teams are a few plays away from being 10-2,” Parish said. “I’m proud of the teams but at the same time we have a lot of work ahead and preparation for division play.”
The Ethel boys are being led scoring-wise by the tandem of Daquannay Dotson, who is averaging 15.6 points per game along with 4.9 rebounds per game, and D’Ayres Merritt at 13.7 points per game, four rebounds and 3.4 steals per game which leads the team.
Izik Stewart is leading the team in rebounding at 8 rebounds a game. Sophomore Sacarrio Merritt is averaging nine points per game, a team best 3.7 assists per game along with 2.5 steals per game.
Parish is eager for more guys to step up heading into division play and to make a push at the playoffs. The Tigers are 1-0 so far in Region 5-1A play.
For the Ethel girls it has been all about Akilah Erving. In five of the last six games she has recorded a double-double.
But for the Lady Tigers, who are 0-1 to start region play, to make a playoff push and a run in Region 5-1A they have players like Chiquita Merritt and Dejah Merritt that take pressure off Erving, but need more to step up.
“Both teams have got to be more consistent and play complete ,ball games. We play great in spurts but complacent at times,” Parish said. “We have got to be more patient in late game situations and do a better job of finishing games. Our defense, for both teams, will be key to our success in the second half of the season. A large portion of our offense is generated from our defense.”
Ethel returns to action on Friday, Jan. 4 at Winona and then follows that matchup with a home game on Tuesday, Jan. 8 against rival McAdams in a Region 5-1A contest.
“Winona has a good girls and boys team and will present a huge challenge to us,” Parish said. “As far as McAdams they are our rival and they’re always a tough opponent. They are in my opinion the favorite in the division and will present a huge challenge that we are willing to accept.”
