After a season full of close battles and lessons learned, the Livingston Academy Wildcats boys basketball team is turning the page with renewed energy and an opportunity to make a deep postseason run.
Wildcats Head Coach Jimmy Miller, now entering his 15th season at the helm, said this year’s focus extends beyond wins and losses.
“We’re looking to try to get back on track,” Miller said. “Our goal for this season is to get a little bit stronger when the postseason starts and advance a little bit farther than last season.”
The Wildcats finished last season with a third place district finish and extending their season into March. The Wildcats’ season ended on March 1, falling to Giles County. Livingston remained competitive in nearly every outing, with the average margin of defeat finishing below ten points.
This season’s group of Wildcats will look different compared to previous years. Miller said the Wildcats will feature the smallest and youngest roster he has ever coached. Miller said what the Wildcats may lack in size or experience, they make up for in heart.
“I never have to ask for more effort because you’re getting all the effort from these kids every day,” Miller said. “And that makes it a joy to come in the next day and the following day and coach kids like that.”
Miller said developing individual leadership and accountability will be two keys to the Wildcats’ success.
“We got some guys who are going to have to take the role upon themselves,” Miller said. “They’re going to have to have ownership with that and that’s not something you can learn overnight. That takes time, it takes confidence it takes trust in your teammates. But all of that seems to come together when you get in there and you work really hard together every day, those things just fall into place.”
Miller said the Wildcats’ approach will not change from years past. Miller said for Livingston fans to expect the same level of grit and intensity that has become a staple of their identity.
