Lately in Selma, we have had our fair share of problems. City officials are looking for answers to a rise in violent crime and members of the Selma City School Board are looking for answers to a shrinking budget.

All over town people seem to be divided on solutions to both problems.

Meanwhile, there is something happening in our city that everyone can get behind.

The Selma high School boys basketball team is red-hot and only one game away from heading to the big show in Birmingham.

Only Wilcox Central stands in the way of the Saints and a shot at the state championship. The coaching staff and players deserve our support.

Basketball players at Selma High School are not ordinary students. There is no point in pretending they are. These young men carry a tradition that is older than their parents.

Each time they pull on their uniforms and take the court, they do so for an entire city. They represent a rich tradition and they know they have to give 100 percent in order to keep that proud tradition alive.

That’s a lot of pressure for a 16, 17, and 18 year old student in a basketball crazy region.

When you are a Selma basketball player, it’s almost as if the uniform never comes off.

Wherever they go people will want to discuss the team, the season, injuries and what happened in the previous game. These guys get coached…alot.

With all of this and schoolwork on their minds, these young men have pushed through some tough stretches, played through injuries and given 110 percent because they get it.

The Saints and head coach Woodie Jackson know what they represent.

Now it’s time for the fanbase to chip in and represent the city and team as well. Anyone that can get to Mobile Saturday should do so decked out in blue and gold.

We need to show Mobile what Selma High School basketball and Selma Spirit is all about.

This team deserves a strong showing.

Let’s turn the University of South Alabama’s Mitchell Center into Selma High School’s Gulf Coast campus. It might help those players find 111 percent.