WCDS downs Wayne Christian boys

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 1, 2012 11:57 PM

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Ball-hawking pressure defense and speed.

Unbeaten Wayne Country Day used both to its advantage during a 91-39, non-conference triumph over county foe Wayne Christian on Friday evening.

Senior guard Deshar Thomas poured in a game-high 22 points for the Chargers, who collected 23 steals and coerced the Eagles into 34 turnovers overall.

Transfer guard Lee Atkinson contributed 15 points, while Victor Miller and Joel Davis pumped in 13 points apiece. Marlon Coley knocked down 12 points and Shahim Muhammad came off the bench to provide a double-double -- 10 points, 13 rebounds.

"We met a team that was as quick as we were, took our strength and used it against us," Wayne Christian head coach Franklin Brathwaite said. "They got a lot of easy layups. They pushed the ball up the court and that's something we've been able to do against teams that are bigger than we are.

"They out-rebounded us and the first half we came out very timid."

The Chargers (4-0 overall) bolted to an 18-2 lead barely five minutes into the game. Thomas and Coley flourished in the transition game that was fueled by 10 Wayne Christian turnovers.

WCDS head coach Terry Jones benched his starters after they built the 16-point advantage, and the reserves maintained the intensity. The Chargers led 44-12 at halftime and padded the lead throughout the second half.

"The guys really moved the ball. I have a really unselfish bunch," Jones said. "Kudos to Wayne Christian, they're a work in progress. They put out a great effort tonight. Our guys are really focused and we're enjoying every day together.

"Today was a fun night for them."

The Chargers owned a commanding 49-29 advantage on the glass and had 22 assists as a team on 40 made field goals. Atkinson dished out six assists. Davis, Thomas and Dayton Meadows handed out three assists apiece.

Dylan Smith paced Wayne Christian with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Guard Tyler Lacerda recorded 10 points, while Matthew Wells added seven points.