In case you didn’t know, basketball season is rolling on all cylinders. That statement is very true at Charles Henderson Middle School. Coaches James Johnson and Paul Gilbert’s teams are in the thick of the season, and both are pleased with their teams.

Gilbert is the head coach of the middle school’s girls’ team. Their most recent victory came at home on Thursday night against Dauphin of Enterprise.

“It was a great game,” Gilbert said. “Everybody got to play tonight. We did really good in traps to get easy steals and lay ups.”

Gilbert’s players agreed that they played well, and they want to finish every game on a strong note.

“We’re doing real well this season,” center Olivia Hudson said. “We’re playing as a team. I’ve played with them my whole life, and we’re all friends.”

Hudson said this year’s version of the girls’ team is much improved over last year’s team, and teammate Asiah Reaves commented on the differences.

“This year we’re quicker, better shooters and we have more teamwork,” Reaves said. “We started off shaky, but then we started moving the ball real well.”

Johnson said things are going well for the Trojans boys’ team as well.

“We finished first place in the Elba Jr. High Tournament earlier this year,” Johnson said.

He talked about the team’s work ethic, and he said that pays dividends come game time.

“They’re understanding and improving everyday,” Johnson said. “Their attitude is impressive. These guys come at it everyday.”

The Trojans boys came at it Thursday night, and they returned the favor of a loss to Dauphin who beat them earlier in the season.

The Trojans won 49-33.

“We’re a feeder program to the high school,” Johnson said. “It’s good that these guys are learning, and I’m going to bust it to make sure they get there. Overall we’re improving everyday. We’re a pretty good team if we’ll work.”

One thing for certain is that Johnson and Gilbert will both get the best effort out of their players.

If Johnson’s statement about work holds true, the boys and girls teams at CHMS should be tough to beat.