A INSIDE SCOOP

 The TCC sports complex was filled with anxious speculators, as we waited with anticipation for the game to begin. Tip off began at 7PM and throughout the majority of the first half the Southern Kings were leading the charge. They decided to begin the game with a tall line up and went into a man to man defense. The adjustment proved to be effective as the Southern Kings were able to shut shooters down on the three point line. Opposing players such as number seven and three weren’t able to get in rhythm and drain shots from the arch; which ultimately had a negative effect on the Firebirds momentum during the first half. Never the less, the Firebirds showed tenacity by pulling a come back late in the second. At the half, they were up by two with the score 48-50. The later half of the game was far more intense as both teams went on a game of runs with the score board. It was an all out team effort for the Southern Kings. Players such as Wicks Jr. (#11), Hunter (#5), and Edwards (#3) s...

 Sunday March 13th, the Tallahassee Southern Kings took on the undefeated Alabama Jaguars. The two teams spent most of the first quarter trading point for point keeping the score tight at 24-26. The energy in the arena was tense as the score was left tied 46-46 at the half. The game was an all out dog fight; but, forwards Zack Naylor and Chris Bryant came together to help lead the team to a five point stretch with 8:44 left in the fourth quarter. However it was Montre Edwards who Ice-Tre the game by knocking down two free throws with 35 seconds left in the quarter. The final bucket was scored by Marlon Hunter; sealing the Jaguars defeat with a score of 104-95. I had the opportunity to interview  forward Chris Bryant and Point Guard Montre Edwards to get the full inside scoop of the game.  “How was the Jaguars style of play different from the last game against the Gulf Coast Lions?” - Smith  “I would say they played slower but they had a lot more shooters, there was a...

  Gabriel Parks  is a fourteen year old, 5’11 combo guard who currently plays for Deerlake middle’s school basketball team. Due to his tall frame, Parks is able to see the entire front court and does a great job of getting his teammates involved when being guarded heavily. He has a nice floater for driving inside and can be crafty in tight situations. Parks can be seen most times shooting the three ball.  Proven to be a deadly threat from behind line; Parks has extended his range and has made it rather difficult for defenders to decide on how to cover him. His long arms on defense make it a challenge for his opponents to dribble past him; giving him plenty of opportunities to steal the basketball and score in transition. He is a developing two way guard who plays  fundamentally and calmly. Parks has the IQ of a high school junior varsity player already and will be a strong asset to any team. This summer he will be playing AAU basketball for the Tallahassee Thunder we...

   “Where are you originally from and how did you hear about the Tallahassee Southern Kings?” - Smith  “Im from Huston Texas.  Before coming here I was in Moldova, Eastern Europe playing for a team called B.A.M. Basket.  I heard about the Southern Kings through my agent. He was just sending my film around and then that’s when coach said he liked me and he brought me aboard.”  -  Naylor  “  We are extremely lucky and happy to have you here.  What do you think you bring to this team and w hat can we expect from you on the floor ?”  - Smith   “  One of my greatest skills I bring to the team is my versatility. Im able to play inside, outside and stretch the floor. My high basketball IQ also allows me to read defense and make the right plays. You can expect all of these things when I’m on the floor.”  -  Naylor  “Who would you say you mirror your game after?” - Smith “  Paul George is a guy I’ve always studi...

  “Where are you originally from and how did you hear about the Tallahassee Southern Kings?” - Smith  “Im from a town in Connecticut called Hartford. The last team I played for was Eastern Connecticut State University. It was a small division three school close to UCONN. I’m sure people have heard of UCONN. I went to a few combines and just got looped up with Damien Jackson; the Tallahassee Southern Kings team market owner. After that the rest was history. I found my way down here to Tallahassee.”   - Collagan  “  You had yourself a breakout night during the exhibition game.  What do you think you bring to this team and w hat can we expect from you on the floor ?”  - Smith   “ I bring energy, you can expect me to push the tempo of the game I like to get out there and get everyone involved as much as possible.”   - Collagan  “ You sound like a real team player. Name two of your greatest skills, that you bring to the Sourthern Kings.”...

“Where are you originally from and how did you hear about the Tallahassee Southern Kings?” - Smith  “I’m originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin but before coming here; I was playing overseas in Praia, Cape Verde. One night I had a really great game, I had like a 50 point game so I got a call to try out for the D league. I tried out for the D league but it didn’t go well and then that’s when I got a call straight here.”  - Williams  “  Well we are very lucky and happy to have you here in Tallahassee. Now that you’re apart of the team, w hat are your individual goals ?” - Smith    “This is a developmental league, so we’ll be playing in front of a lot of scouts from all over the world. I'm working to better my game so I’ll be prepared for that next level, when I get that call.”   -Williams “Now that you mention your game, what can we expect  from you this upcoming season?”  - Smith  “I come to play hard. Every possession and every play I...

  The Tallahassee Southern Kings hosted their first exhibition game today at Tallahassee Community college. The exhibition did not disappoint with the Kings leading the score board the entire game. At the end of the first quarter the score was 43-10. Leading the charge was Jake Collagan (#2) with a solid ten points. Brandon Shingles (#1)  was right behind him with seven of his own, two of which were from behind the three point line. The Kings did an excellent job of pushing the ball up the floor and attacking the basket. In the second quarter the score began to run away from the opposing team as the Edwards twins (#3,#8) harassed and locked down their primary  guards. When placed on the floor at the same time, the Edwards twins were able to cause several turnovers. At half time the score had increased to 76-23. The third quarter was dedicated to the big men on the team. Mario Williams (#4), Christopher Bryant (#7), and Zach Naylor (#12) combined for a total of 43 points i...

  Who are the Tallahassee Southern Kings?  Evelyn Magley, CEO  of t he Basketball League (TBL) - Indianapolis IN; announced in June of 2021 the newest team of the league. The Tallahassee Southern Kings, now joins Tampa and Sarasota in the Florida Market. The Basketball League currently has 42 teams throughout the country.  What is the TBL?  The Basketball League is a paid showcase” league that places young men on a stepping block to be seen and scouted by fans and teams in various locations. The season last for approximately three and a half months; extending from March to June .  What is the TBL mission?  The TBL’s mission is to help as many young adults achieve their highest potential in the game of professional basketball by serving the community, offering job opportunities, internships, as well as offering workshops in financial literacy.  How will this help the Big Bend Area?  Through the partnership of the TBL, the Tallahassee Southern ...