Wednesday was the first official day of basketball practice for the 2018-19 season, but LCM senior Braden Bridges has been preparing for this season long before Oct. 24.
Tabbed “Captain” and “Leader” by Head Coach Brad Jeffcoat, it’s a title Bridges is proud to accept. “This is my third year on varsity and I’m ready for the opportunity to lead my team,” he said.
Bridges said besides hitting the weight room, he has practiced shooting and dribbling drills daily for about two hours, since the beginning of the summer to strengthen his skills.
Bridges is a two time first team all-district performer. A three point specialist that’s not afraid to take it into the paint. But he’s the only returning all-district performer after the graduation of Katon Brown, Cole Frost, and Christian Weatherly.
“It’s my job not only to lead with my play, but also help my teammates and make sure they’re where they need to be,” he said. But he doesn’t think he’s alone. “I believe Jesse Doucet and Jackson Smith are ready to lead too. And hopefully more.”
The Bears lost to Hardin-Jefferson 50-42 in the second round of the playoffs last year after beating Diboll by one. Now H-J is in the Bears district along with Silsbee, the defending State Champs. District 22-4A also features Lumberton with Orangefield dropping down. Also WOS, Hamshire-Fannett, and Bridge City.
The Bears open the scrimmage season on Nov. 3 and will play in tournaments in Nederland, Hardin-Jefferson and Fredericksburg before district play begins Dec. 18.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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