Delaney Burke, a young relative of the sports-storied Burke family in Columbia, competes as a senior forward for the Columbia girls basketball team.
Early in their preseason practicing, Delaney sees the Tide as a “defense first and gritty” basketball team. Their goal is to “get every ball and every rebound!” She anticipates low-scoring games with Columbia winning.
Columbia has a rich history in athletics and football. Last year was one of the toughest for the Crimson Tide team, going 0-10. Columbia will try to rebound this year with a number of returning starters back for new Coach Nate Bagley. He says it's "important to do the little things right."
Xavion Jones (left in photo), a tight end and linebacker, will be a key player.
He says, "It's important to stick together, and last year built character." He likes to play both sides of the ball, but defense may have an edge: "You get to hit people."