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The Pike Liberal Arts Patriots and Lady Patriots are heading into year two under head coach Jonny Mitchell and are looking for a playoff spot.

Mitchell said his teams are in better shape heading into the season than they were a year ago.

“I think we’ll be going into this season a lot healthier than we were this time last year,” he flatly said. “We fought through illness and injury for a great deal last year, especially early in the season. I think we’re also a lot stronger and we’re definitely more experienced than we were going into last season.”

For the boys team, Mitchell is looking to a big group of seniors to lead the way.

“We have a big senior class. Some of them didn’t play last year, or were injured, but we need them to lead for us,” Mitchell said. “Sawyer Keck is a returning player, and Rhodes Baker is a returning post player, that I think will be good for us. Jackson Mitchell is a returning junior that started. Those are our returning starters and we expect a lot out of them coming into the year.”

Keck averaged 16.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, two steals and 1.3 assists per game last season, while Mitchell averaged 11.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, three assists and two steals per game.

While the boys are loaded with seniors, things are much different for the Lady Patriots.

“On the girls side, we only have three seniors,” said Mitchell. “Only one of those is a returning starter for us, Madison Shannon. Casidee Boone is a player we’re looking to be a leader and Riley Burkett is a 10th grader that will play for us. After that, we’ll have two freshmen that will start for us, Shelly Stephens and Mary Holland Stephens.”

Mary Holland Stephens led PLAS with 5.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and two steals per game last season as an eighth grader.

For both teams, Mitchell believes the playoffs are within reach.

“The boys are a little more older and experienced and we’re trying to compete for a playoff spot,” Mitchell said. “Coming off two years ago winning just four games, we won 11 last year and I think we can continue to progress and have a chance at a winning record and being able to compete in the playoffs.

“With the girls, we’re still really young and we have a tough schedule. But I still feel like we can get to double-digit wins and win our area to be able to compete for a chance at a playoff spot. Our goal is to get to the playoffs for both teams.”

Pike Lib opens the season on Nov. 21-23 in Luverne for tournament action and then competes in the Ariton Tournament Nov. 25-27.