Red Bay’s Hope Cook puts up a shot against Walnut, Miss., during their last play date of the summer. Photo by Keith Ledbetter.

By Keith Ledbetter

For the FCT

For Red Bay Lady Tigers head basketball coach Donnie Roberts, playing games during the summer is very important in preparing his team for the start of basketball season in November.

The Lady Tigers completed their final play date the last week of June at a tournament at Belmont, Miss., where they played both Walnut and Oxford, Miss.

After winning both games, Red Bay completes the summer with a 10-1 record, losing only to Pontotoc, Miss.

Red Bay led Walnut 22-16 at the end of the first quarter and held on to a one-point, 36-35 win at the end of the two-quarter game.

Red Bay trailed Walnut by a score of 35-33 with just over two minutes left, but went up one point on a three-pointer from Morgan Pierce.

The Lady Wildcats had two opportunities to take a win but missed needed free throws with 30 seconds remaining and then again as time expired.

“Walnut was a pretty good team. I didn’t expect them to be that good,” Roberts said.

“I was real proud of our girls because our basketball camp was going on and we haven’t been able to practice.”

Roberts said he thought they would be a little flat after that week, but they played very good.

Red Bay picked up an early lead against Oxford and carried it through for 43-31 win in game two.

The Lady Tigers’ play dates may be over, but their summer is just getting started as their weight program starts back this week. The team will meet two days a week at 9 a.m. to help build their strength for the upcoming season.

“This weight program is so important to us,” Roberts added.

“We’re going to spend more time on that this year.”

After graduating four starting seniors this past season, Roberts said this year’s team has really stepped up their scoring during the summer.

“We are way ahead of where I thought we would be,” Roberts said.

“Our girls who were scoring some this past season have done exceptionally well this summer.”