New season, new coach.
Mitchell McCurry has taken over the Ethel High School basketball program and a fairly new team that returns just two players from last year’s unit that finished 11-12 and reached the first round of the MHSAA Class 1A playoffs.
Forward Izik Stewart (6.6 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game last year) along with guard Sacarrio Merritt (8.4 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game, 1.3 assists and 24 steals last year) are the main contributors that are returning and look to lead the team.
“I’m returning two players from last year’s team with any real playing time. The team will look to rely on these two heavy on the offensive side of the ball,” McCurry said. “The team has been gaining more confidence everyday with relying on each other.“
Dominguez Clark has shown signs of being the top defender.
“The team looks to use athletic ability to suffocate defensively and get out and run offensively,” McCurry said. “(We) may start off slow but look to be a real contender by February.”
The Tigers will compete in Region 5-1A with McAdams, Nanih Waiya, Noxapater, West Lowndes and French Camp. McAdams will be hosting the district tournament.
Ethel was set to open the season on Monday at home against Choctaw County.
