KIA Autosport Athletes of the Week: Russell County Boys Basketball

SEALE, Al. (WRBL) – The goal for high school basketball teams is to be playing meaningful basketball in February and March. For the Russell County Warriors, their hard work over the last few seasons led to an area title Tuesday night, defeating Park Crossing 54–40. This senior-laden squad says they’ve worked to put themselves in position to experience moments of success like this.

Senior Point Guard Jeron McKenzie said, “The impact the seniors have. We have a lot of leadership. You know, we always, take accountability for each other, make sure we, doing the right thing at all times.”

“We’ve been on the same team since eighth grade. So, you know, we have that same chemistry. We, try to carry that out through the season and try to bring, the younger ones with us too,” said Antonio Lockhart, another member of the senior class.

Head coach Ronnie Battle has been proud of the way his team has played this season. And as the Warriors prepare for the Class 6A playoffs, he says the focus has to remain on taking it one game at a time.

“I’m gonna be honest. I’m excited about the potential. However, I know you know, each game got his own identity. And once we step out there on a daily basis, making play by play, possession by possession, that’s going to allow us to be in a good position to do whatever God got for us,” said Battle.

The Warriors will open the AHSAA Class 6A Playoffs on Saturday against Gulf Shores.

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