It’s been an up and down season so far for the Thrall Tigers, but they appear to be on an upward trend as they prepare for the beginning of District 27-2A. The Tigers (5-6) won consolation at the Florence tournament last weekend, winning their final two games.
“The team is continually trying to get better at meshing together,” said Tigers Coach Charles Tindol. “They are also working on fine tuning the fundamental skills of the game.”
The Tigers have also shown signs of a potent offense this season. Averaging 50 points per outing, with a high of 79 against Somerville, and a pair of 60-plus point games in their last two starts. This should be a good indication of their potential when district begins.
One of the biggest advantages for the Tigers this season, on the offensive end of the floor, is balanced scoring. Breken Proctor leads the Tigers with an 11.8 point per game average, but each of the five starters are capable of putting points on the board. Brady Burlison has been averaging 8.4 points per game and Steven Walker has been scoring 7.4 points per game. Dawson Meiske and Ethan Dahl have been adding 6.5 and 5.8 points respectively.
“I think one of our strengths going into district is going to be our ability to play with a set tempo,” Tindol said. “We have done a good job playing both a fast and slower paced game. But, I think our weakness is our lack of depth, and we’re going to need some of our guys coming off the bench to step up their game.”
Thrall has also been dominant on the boards this season. A 61-rebound outing against Somerville earlier this season has been their high point, but they are currently averaging 42 rebounds a game. Much like with their scoring, it’s very much a team effort rebounding.
Meiske leads the team averaging 9.6 boards per game, but Walker isn’t far behind with 9.2. Dahl is pulling down an additional 8.7 rebounds.
As they ready for the district opener against Granger on Tuesday, Tindol is very optimistic of the Tigers’ chances of earning a playoff spot.
“I think we match up well with everyone in district,” he said.
“Hearne, Milano, and Thorndale have been at the top of the district for the last four years, but I think every game in our district this year will be very competitive,” he said.
“I don’t know who will be on top after the dust settles, but whoever it is will have earned it.”
Currently, Milano and Hearne are playing sound basketball, as expected. Milano is currently 5-1, while Hearne is 7-2. Thorndale, Holland, and Bartlett are also playing good basketball as well. The district race should be a tight one.
