Shelbyville Central’s Golden Eagle are looking forward to the start of basketball season.

It has been a challenge throughout the offseason dealing with COVID issues, but that has been the case for all tams across the country.

“First, I think we are blessed to be talking about even having a basketball season. Some states are not allowing high schools to play basketball until after the first of the year,” Shelbyville Central coach Andrew Hicks said.

“We know going into this that it is going to be a difference. We may have some cancellations and other issues we have to deal with but there is hope that will have a postseason.”

The team really made some positive progress last season and there is no reason not to believe that will carry over into this season.

Shelbyville Central returns seven of the top eight players when it comes to playing time.

“We have a great group returning. With the graduation of point-guard Erman Garcia, a four-year starter, we have a hole to fill there but we bring back a number of guys that played a lot last year,” Hicks said.

Returning is senior Jai’lain Anderson, the leading scorer from last season, along with junior Jayshon Jones who was a big scoring threat last year as well.

Junior Devyn Heath also returns along with junior Tim Parson, who is slated to run the point.

Senior Elijah Malone has rejoined the team after not playing last year and should provide a lot of minutes on the floor.

“One of the things that we are excited about is our practices have gotten competitive for the first time since I’ve been here with the depth we finally have,” Hicks said.

“We are about right on track to where I thought we would be going into my third year as head coach.”

“I can see that we have developed better skills individually and I’ve seen that growth since we have started practicing and running the floor,” Hicks said. “Our ball handling and shooting seem to have improved and that's a good thing.”

This will be a team where each player will have a role and the success of this team will be determined how each role is played out on the court.

“I think from a team perspective, I think our guys have bought into the roles that are supposed to be playing and that’s exciting.

The Eagles do not possess a lot of height but will attempt to make up for that with team quickness.

As far as District 8-AAA goes this season, Coffee County will be a force, but the district should be very balanced with a lot of competitive matchups.