Nobody looks forward to playing opposite Cortez Cotton.

The senior leader from Shelby County was a dominant force for his team last season, finishing the year averaging 17 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

The powerful Wildcats center, standing 6-feet-7-inches tall, looks to be a leader for Shelby County as the Wildcats try to improve on a 27-4 overall record and a 6-0 mark in the area last season.

But Cotton could care less about what happened one year ago. He’s too busy looking forward to making a run at a 5A state title this season.

&8220;There’s no doubt I want to win a state championship this year,&8221; Cortez said. &8220;I think we have the ability to get it done.&8221;

Cotton credits the closeness of the Wildcats squad for their success last season.

&8220;We’ve been together since ninth grade or longer,&8221; he said. &8220;Everybody knows where everybody is at.&8221;

The Wildcats will need that knowledge if they plan on making a run in this year’s postseason.

&8220;We know we have a lot of work to do to be ready.&8221;

Cotton has had recruiting offers from a number of colleges, but the quiet senior isn’t saying whether he’s made a decision yet.

In the meantime, he’s just happy to have a shot at a state title.

Cotton said if he had to pick one regular season game as his favorite, it would have to be the Wildcats’ heated rivalry with the Calera Eagles, a game that never lacks competitive play.

&8220;When we play Calera, it’s always a big game,&8221; he said. &8220;It’s always a lot of fun