By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
As they embark on the 2002-03 season, the T.R. Miller Tigers varsity basketball team has expectations of improving on last season's successful campaign.
Coming off a year in which they finished with a 17-12 record and earned a second-place area ranking against Class 4A competition, the Tigers return four starters and will compete in Class 3A after being reclassified during the offseason.
Backcourt players who started last year and return for another season are guards DaWaun Johnson and Ryheem Drakeford. Neal Cheatham, last season's leading scorer for the Tigers, returns at forward along with Dominic Johnson.
Miller head coach Ron Atkinson, who begins his fourth season directing the Tigers, expects sound play from his guards who also provide the team with proven leaders.
Atkinson said his forwards have the big-game potential.
In addition to a talented core of veterans, Atkinson said he is pleased so far with the prospects offered by several additions to the varsity.
With the athleticism his team possesses, Atkinson leaves little doubt what style the Tigers will adopt entering the season.
If the Tigers have any question marks, Atkinson said it would be how well they fare in the turnover department.
The Tigers will be facing W.S. Neal and Clarke County in Area 1 play throughout the season as they fight to gain entry into postseason competition.
With the opening game of the season approaching, Atkinson said he is confident in his players' abilities. But, he stressed the team concept so that those abilities could be molded into a cohesive unit.