Cairo basketball teams hit the hardcourt

The Cairo Syrupmakers and Syrupmaids hit the hard court this Saturday night at 6 p.m. as the 2010-2011 basketball season tips off with a visit to Thomas County Central to take on the Jackets and Lady Jackets. Longtime Cairo coaches Lucy Baker and Isiah Chance are back to lead the Maids and Makers, and both are excited to get another season started.
The Syrupmaids return three seniors and three juniors for the season, with six of the seven players that started for the maids last season. “We are in a very competitive region as always, and it just gets stronger with Americus-Sumter joining us. We are going to have to step and play hard every game and, if we do, we have a chance to be competitive this season,” said Syrupmaid coach Lucy Baker. The six returning players from last season will be expected to play 90 percent of the time, with the sophomores and freshmen filling in. “We have 12 freshmen this year, the most we’ve had in a long time, and 25 girls all together,” said Baker.
Meanwhile, Cairo Syrupmaker coach Isiah Chance says the Makers have only one returning starter, Terrell Bryant. “We have others coming back who played a lot last year, but Terrell is our only returning starter,” said Chance. The Syrupmakers have several players coming right off the football field and jumping into basketball. “It’s going to take a little while to get in basketball shape and to play together some, and right now, we just need time and experience with each other,” said Chance.
The boy’s side of region 1-AAA is competitive, as well, and with Americus-Sumter joining the region every game will be tough, according to Chance. “This is a tough region, there are no easy wins. We have to fit in players who have never played with some who have experience, building that cohesiveness will be the secret to having success this season.” said Chance.
The chance to begin building that cohesiveness starts this Saturday night at Thomas County Central for both the Syrupmaids and Syrupmakers.