For The Tribune

Zane Elliott said he got an early start playing basketball in Crothersville.

He recalled coming to the Crothersville gym and playing basketball in the “Biddy Ball” program.

“I started in elementary school,” Elliott said. “I came in and practiced with the middle school when I was little.”

Practicing in those early years paid off for Elliott, as he is in his third season starting with the Tigers varsity.

“I play point guard and a little bit of off-guard,” Elliott said. “I like both. We all run the offense.”

Elliott is anxious to return to the lineup after missing two weeks, including the Scott County Tournament, because of an ankle injury.

Elliott will have another week to get his ankle healthy as the Tigers don’t have any games scheduled this weekend. They will return to action Jan. 13 at Christel House Academy.

His high-point game last winter was nine against Lanesville, and his high this season has been six against Madison Christian in the opening game of the season.

The Tigers have won 8 of their first 11 games, and Elliott said teamwork is the key to that success.

“We need a lot of hard work, team work, and just get after it Monday through Thursday,” Elliott said. “We play very well together. We run the ball pretty well. I think us running the ball speeds up everybody and they’re not used to playing that way, and that’s the way we like to play.”

Another key is depth for the Tigers. Two of the starters transferred to Crothersville after playing in other programs last year, and both Dylan Wilson and Logan Brewer have been big contributors.

Elliott enjoys the home games.

“I like playing at home. I think we play pretty well at home,” he said. “We usually have a good crowd. I like to play at Borden.”

He said the Tigers need to practice hard to prepare for teams like Henryville, Lanesville, Edinburgh and Austin.

“We’ve got to have a lot of hard practices,” Elliott said. “You’ve got to be ready to go every day and have 100 percent positive thinking. We’ve got the tough part of our schedule coming up, Lanesville and Henryville, so we’re going to have to play well. Lanesville and Henryville are pretty tough this year.

“Basketball takes a lot of hard work, and I’ve been playing since I was little so it’s something I’ve always done. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed the bus rides.”

Zane remembers watching his older brother, Zach, play for the Tigers when he was growing up.

“I came out here (gym) and played around with him,” he said.

Zane has attended Crothersville schools since kindergarten.

“I like a small school,” Elliott said. “In a small school you know everybody and you get along with everybody. You know the teachers personally. You can get help one-on-one.”

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Name: Zane Elliott

School: Crothersville High School

Parents: Daryl and Georganna Elliott

Siblings: Zach

Sports: Basketball, three years; golf, two years

Athletic awards: Assists award

Plans after high school: Attend college

Favorite food: Biscuits and gravy

Favorite TV show: “The Ranch”

Favorite musician: Luke Bryan

Favorite movie: “Project X”

Favorite team: Indiana Pacers

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