BOONEVILLE, Miss. - The celebration of Northeast Mississippi Community College's 75th basketball season begins with the annual tipoff event for its fans.
The Lady Tigers and Tigers unofficially christen their new campaigns with the eighth edition of Late Night Madness at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17.
"I think the kids get a lot out of it and that's what it's all about," said Tigers headman Cord Wright. "It's a good refreshing time for them. Each year I feel like we continue to get solid crowds. It's well supported by the community and campus."
A number of activities involving both teams highlight a jam-packed evening inside historic Bonner Arnold Coliseum. The men will wow the crowd with their always-entertaining slam dunk competition.
Guards will showcase their long distance skills with a three-point competition. It culminates with one grand championship showdown between the respective winners from the Lady Tigers and Tigers.
There will also be a pair of 10-minute running clock intrasquad scrimmages. The Lady Tigers should take the floor at approximately 9:10 p.m. with the Tigers immediately following after a brief warm up period.
Students and other supporters can join both squads on the Ricky G. Ford Court for a knockout shooting game. There will be giveaways as well, including free posters and wallet sized cards featuring Northeast's regular season schedule.
"I just like that the girls are able to have fun," Lady Tigers head coach Chelsey Rhodes said. "Everything is centered around them. They feel special and I love that they can enjoy it and have a good time."
Northeast's 19-member cheerleading squad and the Tiger Dancers, who are directed by coaches Chasity Moore and Bethany Hannah, will be introduced plus perform their routines as well.
The Lady Tigers and Tigers continue their preparations for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign by hosting preseason jamborees. The men play on Friday, October 20 while the women take center stage on Wednesday, October 25.
The Tigers tangle with Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University and Shelton State (Ala.) Community College while the Lady Tigers battle a pair of Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) members in Dyersburg State and Jackson State.