Last week’s winter weather forced Columbia (9-8, 5-0) to reschedule its matchup with Tylertown to this Saturday, but the Wildcats finally returned to the hardwood last Friday night.
Outside of a few momentary lapses in rebounding, defensive positioning and ball control, especially in the first quarter, the Wildcats controlled the action at home in a 78-49 win over Seminary.
Although the Wildcats are on a winning streak, they are still trying to put together a complete game for four quarters.
“That’s what we’ve been shooting for all year. We’re young in some areas so we have some mental letdowns with kids who don’t quite understand what it means to go for 32 minutes,” head coach Charlie James said. “I think we got off to a sluggish start because of the three-day layoff when we hadn’t been in the gym. Fortunately enough, we were able to pick it up late to go ahead and take care of business.”
While TJ Monroe, whose 20.7 points per game is tied for 21st in the state, has rightfully earned the spotlight for the streaking Wildcats, the emergence of eighth-grader Jaheim Oatis has been nearly as important. Beginning the season coming off of the bench, Oatis slowly worked his way into the starting lineup, and it’s been no coincidence Columbia has won its last four games as his production has skyrocketed.
Oatis, who tied a career high with 18 points against Seminary to go along with 10 rebounds, has averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting a robust 73 percent over the last four games. The 10 games prior, he averaged just 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds.
“It brings a huge uplift to the team. He’s developing more confidence and starting to understand the process a little bit,” James said. “He was overwhelmed at first, but now he’s settling down. The great thing about it is he’s constantly improving. Hopefully, he will continue to get better as the season progresses. Conditioning is always one of those things we’re pushing him on to get in top shape. If he gets in top shape, I really think the sky is the limit.”
Going into the season, it was a question mark how the Wildcats would replace Lonnie Bass, who took care of all of the dirty work inside last season, but that question mark is disappearing with every double-double Oatis produces.
Nick Averett joined Oatis with 18 points to lead the Wildcats on 8-of-15 shooting, while dishing out six assists and collecting four steals. Monroe, fresh off his 32-point, 20-rebound performance against Wesson, added 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Ralpheal Luter balanced out the effort with his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Earlier in the season, the Wildcats leaned on Averett to bring the ball up the court and set up the offense, but a change in philosophy has unlocked a new level for Columbia’s offense.
“We have enough skill people that if someone gets the rebound who is able to push it up, then we want them to push it up. It opens up so much more for other people,” James said. “You’re not just looking for one person to advance the ball. With TJ being able to advance the ball, he’s been such a great athlete for us and been able to get to the rack and finish because people are just not accustomed to him bringing it up early on. He’s been able to beat some double teams and one-on-one situations that has allowed Nick and some other ones to be able to spot up and get up some open looks.”
The change has allowed the Wildcats to better utilize Averett’s perimeter shooting ability more, while allowing Monroe, Luter and Kentrel Bullock to get more uncontested looks at the rim.
The Wildcats hosted West Marion Tuesday night, beating the Trojans 79-34. They will head to Bassfield Friday night to take on Jefferson Davis County and Tylertown Saturday.
Tipoff for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Pictured Above: Nick Averett sinks a three-pointer as a Seminary defender closes out. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
