After 40 years Southeast Lauderdale High School’s Boy’s Basketball team competes in the semifinals

Southeast Lauderdale High School Boys Basketball team are making history as today they will be competing in the Semifinals in Jackson at the Mississippi Coliseum or what they call the “Big House” since 1982. We hear from the team about what this opportunity means for them.

Southeast Lauderdale's Boys Basketball Team during practice.

“We got an opportunity to play in the final four in Jackson, we call it the big house it’s a big opportunity for us. This is something that we haven’t been in, in a long time and now we got an opportunity to compete and hopefully bring home a state championship,” said Head Coach Centel Truman.

This is the first time in 40 years since Southeast has had the opportunity to compete in the Big House some of the players tell us what it took to be where they are now.

“Hard work pushing each other every day in the classroom and in practice,” said Demondre Graham.

“Like, be on time, be early for practice, and stuff like that,” said Jt Landrum.

Eli Walker one of the captains tells us how he helped keep his team in the right headspace and on the right path during a game.

“I tried to stay focused and I try not to get too high or get too low because any point in the game can change so it’s important to stay in the middle that way you don’t get emotional and get yourself out of the game,” stated Walker.

The team is excited to have the opportunity to possibly win the State Championship and tell us what it would mean if they did win.

“It’ll mean everything this is what I’ve worked for since I was a little kid and coming back home and bringing home a state championship to the community will mean a lot,” said Walker.

“It’s something we have worked for all year,” said Landrum.

“It feels great making history and we just going to keep playing and win the state championship,” said Graham.

Coach Truman says they have received so much support from the fans and the community that even away games feel like home games.

“I really appreciate the community of Southeast. So, we just want to thank you, and we just hope that you all continue to support us and we keep this journey going,” said Truman.