By | Skye Kimya
Humboldt State Basketball is ready to play against rival Chico State on ESPN3 Nov. 18. It will be a humbling experience for both the women’s and men’s team as they perform on a national stage.
“My mom told me everybody will be watching from back home,” Sophomore, Tyla Turner said.
This game is an opportunity for family and friends back home to watch the Jacks play at home with a raucous crowd behind them.
“The fans are really into it,” said Turner. “Several people have told me that they can’t wait for basketball season to start so I feel they are just ready to fill up the bleachers.”
The Lumberjack Arena expects a big crowd as they promote a White Out theme. The first 500 people to arrive will be given a free shirt to help ‘white out’ the stands.
The women’s game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the men’s game will begin at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s exciting,” Junior, Tyras Rattler said. “I have never played on ESPN before, and we are expected to have a good turnout.”
HSU Men’s Basketball is coming off of a 13-16 season. They were led by Sophomores Tyras Rattler Jr. and Nikhil Lizotte who held over 13 points per game a piece.
HSU’s Women’s Basketball is coming off of a rough season where they finished 8-19. They return CCAA Freshman of the Year, Tyla Turner who is both excited and nervous about playing on ESPN.
“I am nervous before every game,” Turner said, “but we can’t focus on Chico State if we haven’t focused on what comes next.”
Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Michelle Bento-Jackson took over the program in 2016 with over 20 years of coaching experience already under her wing. She has led several championships throughout her coaching career, including West Coast Conference Division I with Santa Clara University.
“To get national exposure like this,” Bento-Jackson said. “We just feel honored that we are getting this opportunity.”
Bento-Jackson and her players made it very clear that although this is a big game to think about, the team has prior duties to focus on and work toward.
“We are focusing on our first opponent,” Bento-Jackson said. “Which at this time is Simpson. And the week leading up to Chico, we will be in preparation for them.”
Humboldt State’s basketball doubleheader against Chico State should bring not only excitement to the players and a great atmosphere to the arena, but also substantial recognition to both basketball programs.
“When the fans are excited, that makes me excited,” Rattler said. “I’m trying to win for them.”
