By Thomas Sellers Jr.
If things were normal in the state of Tennessee the past week, many coaches, players, fans and sports media would be preparing for Regional basketball action.
Instead the recent “Snowmageddon” that dropped several inches of winter precipitation across the Volunteer State canceled district tournament action from Memphis to Nashville.
First-year Millington Lady Trojans Head Coach Jason Nichols has endured the wait for his postseason debut. Originally schedule to be played Feb. 16 in the William Osteen Gymnasium, the Lady Trojans vs. Bolivar Central Lady Tigers has been moved to this Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Millington.
The season impacted by COVID-19 has given Nichols his share of rescheduling, modified practices and unexpected, last-second changes.
Despite being a first year head coach, Nichols has been involved in area hoops for more than a decade and said his love of coaching young student/athletes helped with him being patient for the 2021 postseason to start.
“Things been going good, no complaints,” he said. “Just been watching film and Zoom workout with the girls.
“I’m very excited for my first go around as head coach in the playoffs,” Nichols continued. “So anxious to get back in the gym.”
With a foot of snow on the ground and Millington Municipal Schools canceling classes and activities throughout the week, Nichols found ways to keep his players focused on the task ahead.
“Yes, Zoom workout and going over certain things on the court,” he noted. “If they’re in a certain defense, I’ve been having them draw up plays and group chatting with them.”
Millington picked up two victories over the Lady Tigers during the regular season. Nichols reminded his girls the first game was a blowout but it took a late fourth-quarter rally to emerge victorious in the rematch.
Between Zoom practices and creating a winning game plan, the child in Nichols came out with a few snow breaks.
“Yeah I made a snowman and chill with my mom during his time,” he acknowledged. “But I am ready to get back in the gym and get out of this house.”
Nichols said once the roads are clear of snow, his Lady Trojans can begin the journey to making some noise in Class 2A and gain valuable postseason experience
“It’s a dream come true I am about to make my first debut in the playoffs as a head coach,” he concluded. “So excited and happy for the girls. They earned it (home game). I think we finished with a winning record in the regular season for the first time in a long time at Millington Central High School with a record of 8-7.”
District 15-2A Tournament action is scheduled to kickoff Monday with the Lady Trojans hosting Bolivar at 4:30 p.m. at home. That same night the Trojan boys are heading to Haywood County with a 7 p.m. tipoff against the Tomcats.
