 At 7-1, the Pine River Backus boys' basketball team is off to their best start since 2015. The Tiger has only lost one senior from last year's team and this year, they're closer than ever before. Sports reporter Anthony Scott has more. I like the confidence, like the direction we're going and it's exciting to see the smiles on the kids' faces. Well, it's sure easy to smile when you are 7-1, but the Tigers of Pine River Backus are just getting started. I think we've been playing good, but I don't think we've played up to our full potential yet, so I look forward to when that happens. Their one loss came to cast like Beena who made it to the state tournament last year, but the Tigers think they can get to that state level if they just focus on the fundamentals. We're definitely there. We're close. Well, it was definitely the turnover of that day. I think it was 15 just in the first half. That's way too many. It's all about fundamentals. Repetition. Do the little things right. You'll be successful. We need to continue in both those areas and if we do, we'll be tough to beat at the end of the season. Pine River Backus has nine upperclassmen on the squad and only losing one player from last year's team has enabled the Tigers to continue to grow with the same core. We've played together since junior high, so I think we're as tight as we can get. And the team grew even closer over the off season after their coach's wife passed away from cancer in October. Definitely using it to try and get something for him. He's never been to a state tournament, so we're trying to get that for him. Make it special. I think I've learned a lot from the kids, probably more so than they've learned from me, but they've helped me get through it. They're the reason I get up in the morning. I got great support here at Pine River Backus and I just hope it continues to be a magical season. Can the magic bring this Tigers team all the way to state? I think we have a good chance when we play as good as we can. If we play our best basketball, I think we have a good chance to make it safe. Only time will tell how far Pine River Backus can go during their magical season. Reporting from Pine River, Anthony Scott, Lakeland News. So far, the Tigers are 4-0 in section play. They'll put that record to the test tomorrow night at home. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.