Straughn will face the “team to beat” Friday night as the Tigers play host to Southside Selma in area action.

The Tigers (11-1, 2-0 in Class 3A, Area 2) will play a SSHS basketball team who is 10-5 on the season and ranked No. 5. The most recent rankings were released right before the Christmas break.

This will be the first home area game for SHS.

“We’re looking for everybody to come out and support us,” Tigers coach Rusty Andrews said. “We realize that Southside is a team to beat in our area. We’re just hoping to stay on the floor with them.”

Southside Selma’s best players are Sammarkus Jones, Jeffery Mack and Octavius Gulley.

On the girls side, the Lady Tigers will be facing an athletic bunch, SHS coach Scott Kinsaul said.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us that’s for sure,” he said. “We’re just going to keep trying to do what’s made us successful so far this season.”

Specifically, rebounding and taking care of the basketball, Kinsaul said.

The Lady Tigers are 16-1 overall, and 2-0 in area.

Games tip off at 4:30 p.m. with B-team.