Chargers earn pair of victories
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 22, 2009 1:50 AM
Rocky Mount Prep converted the opening tip into a layup and Wayne Country Day misfired on its first six shots from the floor Saturday afternoon.
Two minutes later, the slow start was a mute point.
The Chargers reeled off eight straight points and eventually cruised to a 63-38 victory over the previously-unbeaten Jaguars on day two of the Charger Tip-Off Classic. It was WCDS' second consecutive win after a season-opening, double-overtime loss to Cary Academy just five days ago.
"We're trying to learn how to get out of the gate," said Chargers head coach Terry Jones. "We worked the ball around, got some good shots. We just weren't knocking them down, but they hung in there."
Reco McCarter paced Wayne Country Day's attack with 21 points and eight rebounds. Tim Hobbs contributed 13 points and seven boards, while Tyson Pearson provided nine points off the bench.
Eight of 11 Chargers scratched in the scoring column and each managed to get some kind of mark on the stat sheet. Rasheed Williams dished out five of the team's 16 assists on 22 made field goals.
"We've got 11 guys and as I tell them all the time, you may look at my bench and call whoever the 'weakest link,' but I'll take that weakest link over anybody every day," said Jones. "We have a solid 11 guys and we're learning how to put it all together (with) everybody playing their part."
Wayne Country Day (2-1 overall) built a double-digit lead in a wild opening half. Rocky Mount Prep (3-1) drew four technical fouls, including two against its head coach which led to expulsion from the gym. Despite the adversity, the Jaguars stayed within single digits early in the second period.
WCDS turned up its defensive intensity, crashed the boards and deflected passes in the lanes. Turnovers either led to transition points, offensive rebounds or free throw attempts as the second quarter progressed.
The Jaguars didn't help their cause, going nearly seven minutes without a field goal.
"We played much better," said Jones. "Since Tuesday, we've worked on defense and doing it the right way. They responded and I'm proud of them for their efforts tonight."
Jones called upon the reserves to play the final two-plus minutes of the third and fourth quarters. The crew combined for seven points and five assists during their stint in the non-conference affair.
The Chargers opened the Classic with a 64-29 rout of Shannon Forest (S.C.) on Friday. Hobbs and McCarter pumped in 20 and 12 points, respectively. Hil Tanner provided seven points.