By Gary Thomas

As we look into Crenshaw County basketball season, we start in the north end of the county taking a look at the Highland Home Flying Squadron. The Flyboys are coming off the 2023-2024 season with much success as they posted a 22-and-seven record and played for the state 2A championship in Birmingham, falling 56-42 Mars Hill to come in as runners-up. 

But there were high expectations for this year for the Squad as they open their season this Monday against the Charles Henderson Trojans. The squadron will battle in 2A Region 5 with 1-and-1 JU Blackshire, 1-and-1 Calhoun and 2-and-2 Central Hayneville. 

If we travel 20 miles south on US Highway 331, we will meet Coach Larry Dorsey and his 0-and-2 Luverne Tigers. The Tigers have already begun their season with losses to Central Hayneville, 61-60, and Charles Henderson of Troy, 85-53. They will play in 2A Area 5. 

The teams in that area are 1-4 Zion Chapel, 0-2 Pike, Lib and 0-and-0 Goshen. This week’s game on Tuesday will be against the Eagles from Caroll of Ozark.

Across town, the AISA Crenshaw Christian Academy (CCA) Cougars will tip off their basketball season on the road Dec. 9 as they bus into Hope Hull to do battle with the Hooper Academy Colts. The Cougars will play in a 1A Region 2 tournament with Trinity Christian 5-and-0, Abbeville Christian, 2-3, Oaks Academy, 2 to 3, Lakeside Academy 0-and-1. The Cougars are zero-and-zero. 

Our last stop will be in South Crenshaw County at Brantley high school. Coach Andre Parks’ Bulldogs tipped off this Tuesday night, scooping up a win against the Goshen Eagles, 62-25..

Gary “Gooch” Thomas is a long-time Crenshaw County resident, football fan and freelance writer.