Keiven Mixson begins his third season as head basketball coach at Tallassee on Tuesday vs. Elmore County at Stumberg Gym. The Tigers are coming off of a 22-8 season. Mixson realizes he has a talented group and understands the buzz about hoops at THS. Still, he tries to keep that excitement in check. Tallassee has not advanced beyond the sub-regional round in the playoff era. Mixson's Tigers have lost in the first round the last two years. "Our goal as long as I'm here is to win a state championship," Mixson said. "We're talking about the possibility of winning a state championship. I love the excitement going around town and everybody's talking about how great this team can be. I don't want to put any pressure on our kids. Our goal is each day to get better." Mixson bulked up the schedule intentionally to prepare his guys. "We could possibly go .500 and still be ready to compete for sub-region, regional and state. We've got the talent." Mixson got an assessment of his team from Marty Walker, who was an assistant at Faulkner when he was a player. Walker now works with the Madison Academy basketball program that has won state championships. "I asked him, 'What does our talent look like compared to the Madison Academy teams that won state championships?' He said, 'There's no comparison. You're talent is better than what we had.' "I asked him, 'What was the one thing you could put on those Madison Academy championships?' He said, 'It was scheduling.' Tallassee has Class 7A Auburn back on its slate this season twice. They have added Homewood and John Carroll as well. "The biggest thing on our schedule - I don't know - it might be a mistake. We got into the Dwight Madison Tournament over at Carver. We're going to see a lot of great teams. I think our guys are looking forward to it." The Tigers have six seniors on this year's team, four who have started since 10th grade; Tyrek Turner, Jamicah Humphrey, Sandarius Hughley and Truck Griffin. "Tyrek Turner is getting junior college offers. He averaged 12 points and 13 rebounds last year," Mixson added. "We've added Tae Collins, a 6-6 wing player. He can play down in the post, but he's really a 6-6 guard. Demontae Washington is going to be another guy to watch out four. Jalyn Daniels will come in at the point. We do have a lot of depth this year." Tallassee's junior varsity, varsity girls and varsity boys teams will face Elmore County for the season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 12 beginning at 4:30 p.m. | 
