The Bainbridge High School Bearcats and Lady Cats basketball teams returned to regular season play here last night, hosting the Baker County High School Bears and Lady Bears after asserting themselves in separate holiday tournaments.

Coach Rickey McCullough’s Bearcats, who entered last night’s play with a 9-2 record, defeated a pair of Tallahassee, Fla., schools last week in Tallahassee’s Capital City Classic at Florida A&M University.

On Wednesday, they downed the Chiles High School Timberwolves 63-56 in overtime, and on Thursday, they defeated the Leon High School Lions 74-47.

Coach Latreisha Moon’s Lady Cats, who entered last night’s play with a 7-4 record, played in Tift County High School’s McDonald’s Invitational Classic.

They opened tournament play strong, defeating the host Tift County High School Lady Blue Devils on Tuesday before bowing to the undefeated Lowndes County High School Vikettes 62-43 on Wednesday.

It is my strong feeling that the Bearcats and Lady Cats are both on track for strong finishes.

I feel that way for several reasons. First of all, they both have strong veteran leadership.

Senior forward Devon Baulkman, who was Region 1AAAA player of the year in the 2009-2010 season, has been his dominant rebounding and scoring self night in and night out.

Senior center Shawn Samuels, probably the strongest leaper on the team, has been a strong rebounder and scorer, and senior Rohan Gaines, who was cleared to play just before the holidays following a serious football injury, is getting stronger and better with each game at the point guard position.

The Lady Cats, like the Bearcats, have strong senior leadership both inside and outside.

Senior forward Bria Harris is a strong rebounder and scorer inside while senior guard April Thomas’ great quickness and deadly shooting from beyond the three-point line makes her a threat whenever she has the ball.

When Harris pulls down a rebound off the defensive glass and gets a pass out quickly to Thomas, it jump starts the Lady Cats’ fast break.

Coach McCullough and coach Moon have both expressed optimism about the way their teams have started the season.

In addition to their strong rebounding and scoring, McCullough likes the way his team moves the ball around and gets it to the open man.

In addition to her team’s inside play and quickness, Moon likes the way they play hard on both ends of the floor.

Come on out Friday night and watch the Bearcats and Lady Cats host Moultrie’s Colquitt County High School Packers and Lady Packers. They deserve your support and I guarantee you will enjoy the action.

I’ll see you at the games.