The Blackman Blaze basketball team were on a nine game winning streak and are now ranked seventh in the state.

“We improved a lot, but we still have more room for improvement,” said Mauricio Brown, junior point guard.

One of the Blaze’s main goals is making it back to the state tournament and winning a state championship, but that is not an easy task.

“If we keep working hard and keep improving, it is possible [to make it to state],” said James Polite, junior power forward.

Blackman has been playing well enough to win the games they need to win.

“We, the coaches, are making sure the team is ready to play every night so they can be prepared,” stated Timothy Purvis, the assistant basketball coach.

Practicing from 2:45 p.m. – 6p.m. five days a week, the Blaze basketball team intend to continue their annual bid for state.

“For Each Other” (4EO) is what the team says as they break every huddle to encourage the players.

“This is what Blackman Blaze basketball is all about. We’re a family that puts the team first. We help each other on the court and off, ” said Purvis, the assistant basketball coach.