First-year head coach Jordan Culliver is looking to revive the Baldwin County boys basketball program with a style that reflects his roots and his playing days. A 2009 graduate and three-sport star at the school, Culliver returns to Bay Minette after coaching stints at Daphne and McAdory. The Tigers finished 14-9 last season but fell to Spanish Fort in the Class 6A Area 2 tournament and missed regionals.

Culliver's philosophy mirrors that of his former high school coach, Lorenzo Hunter, who he called the “Godfather of basketball on this side of the world.”

“Hard nose defense,” Culliver said. “We are going to press, we are going to press early and often. On offense, we are going to try to move and score as much as possible.”

The Tigers feature four seniors who have been part of the program for years but lack significant varsity experience. That leaves room for new faces to make an impact, including freshman point guard EJ McCoy, who at 5-foot-7 will run the offense, and junior Rowan Wallace, a hardworking, positionless player who has stepped into a leadership role. Culliver said his expectations are high, aiming to bring the program its first area championship in more than a decade.

BALDWIN COUNTY GIRLS

Baldwin County’s girls team is also focusing on growth this season under head coach Brandon Hill. The Tigers finished 4-14 last year and placed last in 6A Area 2 but return senior leader Talaija Brown, a veteran who’s been instrumental in mentoring a young core. With only three seniors on the roster, the team will rely on several freshmen expected to contribute immediately.

“This freshman group that came in, they came in this summer and they worked,” Hill said. “They find a way to get to practice. I do football in the morning and I have afternoon practice with them. They work really hard and I really like this group of the younger girls.”

Several of Baldwin County’s players compete in multiple sports, and Hill encourages that versatility. He said those experiences help his athletes become more well-rounded competitors. With a mix of youth and leadership, Hill hopes this season will be about building consistency, learning to compete in a tough area and laying the foundation for future success.