WCDS hammers Epiphany
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 18, 2012 1:48 PM
There's nothing like a boost of confidence.
Wayne Country Day got a much-needed dose Tuesday evening.
Six-foot-4 senior guard Brandon McCarter torched the nets for a game-high 30 points in a 67-23 thrashing of The Epiphany School on the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference boys' basketball scene.
McCarter grabbed 10 rebounds for the Chargers, who halted a frustrating five-game skid. Meanwhile, the Falcons endured their fourth consecutive defeat, including two straight against CPIC opposition.
"It feels good to get that monkey off your back," said WCDS head coach Terry Jones. "It's one thing if you don't have the ability and the talent, and it's another thing when you haven't quite been able to put it together yet. At least we have the opportunity for a fresh start."
The fresh start begins Friday.
The Chargers (6-9 overall, 1-1 CPIC) play host to No. 1-ranked and defending league champ Greenfield. Tip-off is approximately 8 p.m.
Deshar Thomas flirted with a double-double (15 points, eight assists) and senior guard Hil Tanner contributed 12 points, three assists and three steals. Cody Neal and Aaron Forde doled out three assists apiece.
WCDS collected 19 assists as a team on 28 field goals and had just 12 turnovers.
"Offensively we moved the ball very well, got some great wide-open shots and the guys were able to build a little bit more confidence, so that was a plus," said Jones. "We had a distinct conversation that we were looking for high-percentage shots tonight, so we weren't going to see a lot of one-on-one ... penetrating, but this was an opportunity for us to build as a team and that came from making the extra pass to your teammate, things of that nature.
Epiphany (3-7, 0-3) converted just nine field goals, committed 26 turnovers and was held to single-digit scoring in each quarter.
Empty possessions annoyed each team in the opening period of play as they combined for just three made field goals in the first three-plus minutes. McCarter warmed up offensively and Thomas' 3-pointer at the buzzer off Forde's assist put the Chargers up 15-6.
WCDS extended its advantage offensively, played solid defense and limited Epiphany to just four second-half field goals.
"Moreso in the second half, I felt like our defensive intensity was there," said Jones. "Not necessarily pressuring, but being more discipline. You get better results when you do things the right way. That's what we preach."