Basketball in the Azalea City is about to heat up even more. The Blazers conference season tips off January 7th as the men and the women travel to Florence, Alabama for their Gulf South Conference openers against North Alabama. Both had high expectations heading into the seasons but it has been a tale of two stories for the teams. The Men have met demands, posting a (12-2) record, with both losses coming from a combined six points.
VSU Men's Head Basketball Coach Mike Helfer says,
"We just have to be ready and go up there and anticipate that once conference play comes, it's such a different atmosphere, different feel. Not only for the players, for coaches, for fans, for everybody so we're excited about that."
The Women were predicted to capture the GSC East crown, but early season performance has not indicated it, yet with North Alabama comes the start of a new season.
VSU Women's Head Basketball Coach Kiley Hill adds,
""Whole new season, whole new situation. We're (0-0) still in conference play which is a great feeling right now. It's battles we have to continue to wage and wars in the Gulf South Conference and that we're still a very good basketball team. Our record may not indicate it right now but there's nothing wrong with our situation and going (20-7) on the year."
Pre conference season records and statistics mean nothing unless the Blazers can win in the Gulf South.