Gators' play tough 'D' in the "The Swamp"

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on January 15, 2014 1:48 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Golden State Warriors' head coach Mark Jackson has a simple defensive philosophy that has turned into a catch phrase.

"Hand down -- man down," Jackson often yells after his team makes a defensive mistake in their man-to-man set.

Spring Creek head coach Taylor Jones has a similar defensive style, albeit without the slogan. His Gators (7-5 overall) have built a reputation this season on stingy man-to-man defense and they're in the hunt for a postseason berth from the Carolina 1-A Conference.

"In order to be successful on the defensive end you have to want to play defense," Jones said. "Our kids like to play defense and it shows when they are on the court. It's all about effort, and the group we have this year gives a good effort every possession."

Since a season-opening, 72-34 loss to South Lenoir, the Gators have grinded out victories on the hardwood. Jones' team allows just 44.8 points an outing and hasn't given up more than 61 points during the past 11 games.

Spring Creek picked up conference wins over Princeton and Rosewood last week. The Gators' defense permitted a total of 90 points in the two games.

"We have to take each game as it comes and play with the same defensive intensity," Jones said. "Our games are not going to be flashy, high-scoring games, but they are normally going to be close games that come down to the fourth quarter."

As good as the Gators' defense has been recently, it has the potential to be even better. They're missing starting guard Tre Hammonds, who has missed the past four games due to an injury.

Hammonds' presence, along with point guard Brandon Gonzalez and swingman Chad Spurgeon, creates a strong defensive mindset for Spring Creek in either half- or full-court sets.

Forwards Malik Mitchell and Jordan Hicks have each emerged as a force on the defensive glass. Speedy role players Gary Williams, DeVonte Faison, Nazia Carmichael and Dashaun Webb give Jones the pieces necessary to put a playoff contender on the floor.

"I think our depth this year has been huge for our improvement as a team," Jones said. "We have a lot of guys that (the coaches) have confidence in and that can help us one way or another."

Spring Creek entertains border rival North Duplin on Friday.