TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – It\u2019s been a dream start to the season for the Tallahassee State men\u2019s basketball team. At the two-thirds mark, the Eagles are ranked tenth nationally. <\/p>\n
\u201cI thought we did a good job recruiting, and I thought we had a good offseason, but you never know how it\u2019s going to play out,\u201d said head coach Corey Hendren, in his third season. \u201cWe had confidence in this group, but to be 18-2 is a really good spot to be in. I wouldn\u2019t say we expected that, but we\u2019re really proud of where we\u2019re at.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
That spring, the Eagles named Hendren their new head coach. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love Coach Corey. I think he\u2019s a great coach,\u201d said Cole Crissman, a sophomore. \u201cI think he\u2019s always going to push you to be your best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Freshman sensation Shane Cherry agreed. \u201cCoach\u2019s energy is always good energy,\u201d he said. \u201cHe never lets us be down for this. [He helps us] fix it quick. I think Coach is the key to us, really.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s at 19.2 points per game. <\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially [with] how hard you see them work all year for this, it\u2019s really cool to see those guys go out and shine,\u201d said Crissman. \u201cTo be able to come here and be able to be an instant impact, I think that\u2019s really cool to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
But talent doesn\u2019t always lead to success. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re so good from top to bottom because we\u2019re so deep, like everyone on our team could be very effective when they\u2019re on the court with any minutes they get,\u201d said Crissman. \u201cWe\u2019re very connected. I feel like we get along off the court as well as on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Eagles opened conference play with a statement win over fifth-ranked Northwest Florida State on Saturday, January 10. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great testament to their hard work and something to be proud of. Obviously, we have a long season to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
A long season, full of the toughest competition. Every team in the Panhandle Conference is nationally ranked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to make sure we keep who we are and our identity. It\u2019s going to be hard. We\u2019re going to outwork people. We\u2019re going to be tough,\u201d said Hendren. \u201cEvery day we step on the court, we say it\u2019s an opportunity to get better. \u201dIf we just keep getting better, we\u2019ll have a chance when it comes to March.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once the calendar flips to March, the Eagles have their minds set on one specific accomplishment. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to win the national championship,\u201d said Crissman. \u201c[That\u2019s] what it\u2019s been from the beginning, I think we have the team to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tallahassee State hosts Gulf Coast State on Saturday. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
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