Following a tough loss to Barbour County last Friday, the Pike County Bulldogs will look to bounce back when they return to action today.

Rebounding from that loss will be difficult, however, as Class 4A No. 4 Andalusia awaits.

“They’re a very disciplined basketball team,” said PCHS head coach William Moguel. “They’re going to do all the little things right and hustle. We’re going to have to be on our A-game because Coach Richard Robertson does probably the greatest job around here of coaching basketball. If you want to see good, fundamental basketball, the team you want to go watch is Andalusia.”

Moguel said PCHS will have to match Andalusia’s fundamental style of play in order to have success.

“We need to limit our mistakes, take the ball to the hole and rebound,” Moguel said. “We’re going to have to do the little things right also. We need to run it a little bit as well, but the biggest thing is we’re going to have to be very fundamental.”

Pike County’s players said they know what Andalusia brings to the table, and will be prepared for the challenge.

“We know they’re a fundamental team, so we’re just getting our mind set and trying to stay focused,” said junior guard Geralond Knox. “Coach Moguel knows their coach very well, so we know what to expect and what to look for.”

Junior guard Jeremy Rumph said PCHS will have to have a high effort level defensively.

“They like to move the ball around, so we have to be ready to play hard on defense,” Rumph said. “We’ve just got to play hard the whole game and keep our feet running.”

While the Bulldogs are coming off a tough 61-34 loss to Barbour County, there were aspects of the team’s performance Moguel was encouraged by.

“Our intensity level was a lot better than it was against Carroll,” Moguel said. “They came out and played a little bit harder. They’re starting to get what I call their basketball legs up under them a little better. I told them Monday after practice that if we keep coming out with that same intensity, we’ll be ok.”

Fortunately for PCHS, its practice Monday was one of the best all season, something Moguel hopes carries over into today’s game.

“They really got after it, hustled and got back and forth on defense,” Moguel said. “They took the ball to the hole probably the best I’ve seen them do it in practice.”

The varsity boys’ game between Pike County and Andalusia will be the final of three games today, with the junior varsity game tipping off at 4:30 p.m.