Heading into the Mavs Classic, the boys’ basketball team is hosting the Plano East Panthers, Jefferson Mustangs , Ryan Raiders and either the Panther Creek Panthers or Mesquite Horn Jaguars  in a tournament that players and coaches agree will put the Redhawks’ skills to the test early in the season.

Assistant coach Robert Wilson says the team has a very particular strategy they’ll use to try and secure wins.

“Our size and experience can definitely make a difference in the games,” Wilson said. “We can use our full-court press defense to slow them down and get them out of rhythm, and maybe force a couple of turnovers.”

However, Wilson says the team has to give their all to the games.

“We’ve shown some real promise, [but we need to] bring the energy and enthusiasm and fight from beginning to end,” Wilson said.

Junior Gilbert Aluga says the wealth of varsity experience across the team has the potential to help them tremendously.

“I’m excited to play fast,” Aluga said. “I loved our team last year, but now we are better. A lot of that has to do with almost everyone having varsity experience. We are more comfortable on the court and can play faster instead of trying to control everything.Knowing this makes me confident for our season and the future.”