TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – It’s been a dream start to the season for the Tallahassee State men’s basketball team. At the two-thirds mark, the Eagles are ranked tenth nationally.
“I thought we did a good job recruiting, and I thought we had a good offseason, but you never know how it’s going to play out,” said head coach Corey Hendren, in his third season. “We had confidence in this group, but to be 18-2 is a really good spot to be in. I wouldn’t say we expected that, but we’re really proud of where we’re at.”
TSC is no stranger to fielding impressive hoops teams. Just three seasons ago, the team began its year 21-1, eventually losing in the national semifinals. Most of the team dispersed after the season.
That spring, the Eagles named Hendren their new head coach.
“I love Coach Corey. I think he’s a great coach,” said Cole Crissman, a sophomore. “I think he’s always going to push you to be your best.”
Freshman sensation Shane Cherry agreed. “Coach’s energy is always good energy,” he said. “He never lets us be down for this. [He helps us] fix it quick. I think Coach is the key to us, really.”
For this season, Hendren and his staff brought in a dynamic freshman class. Three of those youngsters have been averaging double digits in scoring, Cherry, who’s at 19.2 points per game.
“Especially [with] how hard you see them work all year for this, it’s really cool to see those guys go out and shine,” said Crissman. “To be able to come here and be able to be an instant impact, I think that’s really cool to see.”
But talent doesn’t always lead to success.
“I think we’re so good from top to bottom because we’re so deep, like everyone on our team could be very effective when they’re on the court with any minutes they get,” said Crissman. “We’re very connected. I feel like we get along off the court as well as on the court.”
The Eagles opened conference play with a statement win over fifth-ranked Northwest Florida State on Saturday, January 10.
“It’s a great testament to their hard work and something to be proud of. Obviously, we have a long season to go.”
A long season, full of the toughest competition. Every team in the Panhandle Conference is nationally ranked.
“We’ve got to make sure we keep who we are and our identity. It’s going to be hard. We’re going to outwork people. We’re going to be tough,” said Hendren. “Every day we step on the court, we say it’s an opportunity to get better. ”If we just keep getting better, we’ll have a chance when it comes to March.”
Once the calendar flips to March, the Eagles have their minds set on one specific accomplishment.
“Our goal is to win the national championship,” said Crissman. “[That’s] what it’s been from the beginning, I think we have the team to do it.”
Tallahassee State hosts Gulf Coast State on Saturday. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.
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