With a little over a week before the regular season begins against Dothan High School, the Charles Henderson varsity men’s basketball team will be looking to get back on track.

Last season, the Trojans finished with an 8-16 overall record, including going 1-5 in its final six games.

Even with the new season beginning on Nov. 7, things might be a little rocky from the start.

“We have a lot of work to do,” head coach Carl Hollis said Wednesday afternoon before the team’s practice.

“I don’t feel quite as strong about this season’s team as I have with past teams, but I expect them to do great things.”

One of the reasons Hollis is concerned about how the team will play at the beginning of the season is because of the schedule the Trojans have to face.

The first five games of the season are against playoff teams from last years – two games against Dothan as well as games against defending state champion Barbour County, Abbeville and Enterprise.

“That’s a tough way to start any season,” Hollis said.

“We are going to see pretty quickly what this team is made out of.”

One bright spots for the Trojans last season was its home record, which was 5-4.

Three of its first five games will be played at CHHS.

To prepare for what is to come, Hollis said the team’s practices have focused on working on the fundamentals.

“We have worked on everything from defense to shooting to court presses.

“They kids aren’t exactly where I want them to be right now, but we are going to continue to work hard and try and change that,” the coach said.

While the team will have three starters returning to the team, Hollis said he will be looking for the team’s younger players to be a big part of the team.

“I think the younger kids on the team will really bring excitement back to basketball [at CHHS].

“They have a real love of the sport and will continue to grow and get better,” Hollis added.

One way the coach plans on getting his kids ready to go for the season, is to help them better understand the game.

“You have to get the kids to buy in what you’re trying to sell,” Hollis said.

“I have show them what it takes to be a winner.”

“We have got some good athletes on this team and I think we are going to be pretty good – but we have to work hard,” he added.

The Trojans will begin its season next Friday night on the road at Dothan High School.