The Plant City Vipers are preparing for another basketball season, even if it comes with some schedule changes.
The nonprofit basketball organization, which serves athletes from all over the Plant City area, will begin its season Friday, April 1, at the St. Pete Beach Madness tournament. It originally planned to play in a regional tournament from March 18 to 20, but the Vipers would prefer to bring more players on board first.
This offseason, the Vipers were hoping to expand its roster beyond two teams: fleshing out the middle and high school squads was a goal, as was adding a girls team into the mix. Neither has been accomplished thus far, because of turnout, but there’s still time for that to change.
Right now, the team has a junior varsity and a varsity squad in place. While the JV squad will focus on middle schoolers and ninth graders, the varsity team will cater to the older kids (through 11th grade) and any ninth graders that try out and make the cut.
Coaches Wade Rogers and Terry Thompson Jr. are still leading the programs, albeit in a different capacity: Rogers and Thompson have switched roles, with the former taking the varsity boys and the latter moving to JV. Rogers says that the decision to switch teams was mutual.
Tentatively, the Vipers are planning to play in seven tournaments from early April through the end of May. The teams currently practice weekly at Mike Sansone Park, but have no plans to host any games or tournaments this season. The schedule will take the boys to Lakeland, Clearwater, Tampa, St. Pete and Auburndale.
Registration costs vary depending on the player. New players can join for $200, and their siblings can sign up for $175. Uniforms are included in those fees. Returning players can come back for $100, and their siblings for $50, and will be responsible for any uniform costs if they do not have their entire uniform from a previous season. The Vipers also ask to see a birth certificate, photo ID and a recent report card for each player.
Registration can be done online at PCVipersHoops.com. For more information, email PCVipersHoops@yahoo.com.
VETS' VIEWS
Wyatt Rogers
Junior, Plant City High School
How long have you been with the Vipers?
This is my third year.
What has it been like, watching the Vipers grow over three years?
It’s cool. It started off with ninth- and tenth-grade teams, but we started splitting off last year. It would be cool to have three teams this year, but it’s whatever, I guess.
What are you looking forward to this season?
Playing with my high school teammates more and building a better relationship with them, which will help our high school season. Four or five of us play for the Vipers.
Christian Lucas
Junior, Plant City High
How long have you been with the Vipers?
This is my second year — not second straight, though.
How did you first get involved?
I was playing for high school, with Wyatt, and I’ve known Wyatt since we were kids.
And then you took a break last year. What happened?
I just didn’t want to play, after high school season ended.
What changed?
This year, I didn’t get to play (high school) because I broke my wrist. I was out for three months. I’m trying to get back in time for my senior year.
What are you looking forward to this spring?
Winning as much as possible.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.