Speed kills.

Greenville High School head coach Richard Kelly is hoping that old saying rings true – at least on the basketball court. The first-year head coach plans to utilize his team’s speed by playing an up-tempo brand of basketball that will have the Tigers racing up and down the court.

“Our overall team speed will be our strength,” Kelly said. “We have the talent and quickness to push the ball. We don’t want to go down there and take crazy shots, but we want to push the ball and use our speed. We should be able to beat people down the court and get layups with our post players.”

Kelly said the Tigers will look to get the ball inside to forwards Darryl Starks and Cavante Roberts, while guard Desmond Feagan is expected to lead the Greenville attack on the perimeter.

The Tigers, who return just two starters from last season’s team, are hoping that quick baskets add up to a deep postseason run.

“Our goal is to be playing into late January,” Kelly said. “I’m excited about where we are. We’ve got a chance to be a good team and be productive as the year goes along. I’m optimistic about this team. We have a chance to be good at the end of the year.”

But a postseason run is a long way away for the Tigers.

First, Greenville must negotiate its regular season, and for now, the Tigers’ focus is on doing the little things right that will lead to success on the court.

“For two weeks, we have had very structured practices, particularly focusing on the fundamentals,” Kelly said. “(Our practices have been) run very methodically, making sure that our technique is impeccable. Our main focus is fundamentals. Coach (Johnny) Mitchell and I not only want to teach the game, but explain why things happen the way that they do. We break down every scenario.”

The Tigers will receive their first test Nov. 15 when they travel to Monroeville for a showdown with Monroe County.

“We will be tested every single game,” Kelly said. “Every team on our schedule is going to be a challenge. We must come to play every single game with zero letdowns.”

Tipoff for the Tigers’ season opener is scheduled for 7 p.m.