Thomas Paine's pamphlet “The American Crisis” begins “These are the times that try men's souls.”
Paine was writing about dark days for American colonies at the outset of the Revolutionary War, but his words ring true today amid a pandemic. For the men and women who coach high school sports, the times can be extremely trying.
The Choctaw County boys’ basketball team has played two games, and has had seven postponed or canceled, either because the Chargers “could not play or the opponent could not play.”
“It's been pretty difficult,” said coach Gary Beals. “Maybe we have all the bad luck behind us.”
When classes resume in the new year, Choctaw County will be on a hybrid school for at least two weeks as a precaution, with some students attending classes while other are virtual.
The Chargers and Lady Chargers are scheduled to return to action next Tuesday with home games against J.Z. George. Region 4-3A competition will begin the following Tuesday with games at Houston. It is the final season as a 3A school before dropping down to 2A next year.
The Chargers split the two games played, with a victory over Nanih Waiya and a loss to Winona. Zay Coleman and Calvin Roberts played well in those games. “Calvin has been phenomenal for us,” Beals said.
The coach is optimistic going forward. He said the team will be strengthened with addition of Tylan Carter, back from football, and Jay Cole, a transfer from Starkville who is now eligible.
Cole has been practicing with the team and Beals is counting on him as point guard. “He's a good ball handler.”
It's a similar story for the French Camp boys. The Panthers have played three games,and have had five called off. “It's extremely difficult,” said coach Robert Leathers.
The Lady Panthers have played five games and will enter 2001 on a four-game winning streak. The team did miss games against Winona and Grace Christian because the other team was unable to play.
“We've been very fortunate,” said coach Polly LeVert. “We had just a couple of people who had to be quarantined for being around someone else. We have not had anybody tested positive, knock on wood.”
There have been mishaps not related to COVID-19 – a cross country injury and an appendectomy.
“We need to improve in a lot of areas, but for the most part we are coming along pretty well,” LeVert said. “If we ever get everybody on the court, I'll feel better about our depth.”
Jasmine Bonty and Grade Ann Wade have played well.
The Panthers and Lady Panthers begin Region 5-1A played next Tuesday with home games against Noxapater.
