The Columbia Wildcats (5-8, 1-0) have had an up and down beginning to their season in regards to wins and losses, but much of that has to do with the level of competition.
Last Friday night, however, the Wildcats had the upper hand over their crosstown rivals at West Marion, especially in terms of size. Columbia boasts seven players 6-foot-2 or taller, while the Trojans have just one player that tall, standing precisely 6-foot-2.
That size advantage, along with being a more experienced and skilled team, led to an 88-43 win over the Trojans with the Wildcats outscoring West Marion by 45 points over the final three quarters. According to Columbia head coach Charlie James, though, it was how the Wildcats played that made the biggest difference in their district opener.
“We played extremely hard and with a little tenacity, we got after them pretty good. Over the long haul, I think that wore (West Marion) down,” he said. “I told the guys if they play with that type of energy and effort the rest of the season, I like our chances against anyone.”
The Wildcats had several players have big nights as they were once again led by junior shooting guard TJ Monroe, who had a team-high 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
An interesting development for the Wildcats has been the recent play of Darius Stewart, who had a career-high 16 points after putting up 14 against Charleston in the Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Christmas Tournament. Before those two outbursts, the 6-foot-2 shooting guard had six points all season.
“He’s a young kid that’s truly not afraid to take the big shot,” James said. “He has stepped up and really worked hard. He’s come to me several times wanting to know what it takes to get better, and he has worked at it. You can see the fruits of his labor in his recent production.”
James has been tinkering with his lineups all season in an effort to find the right combination for the district slate and believes Stewart has earned some meaningful playing time going forward.
“Right now, he would be a part of the rotation. How much, I’m not sure. If he’s playing how he’s played the last couple of games, he’ll definitely be in the rotation,” James said. “He’s a freshman so there’s times when he’s overwhelmed, but these last couple of games he’s answered the call.”
Another youngster who had a big game against the Trojans was Jaheim Oatis, who had career-highs in points (15) and rebounds (13), notching his first double-double.
“Night in and night out, he has constantly improved. I have to remind myself sometimes in games with some of the stuff I expect him to do that he’s just an eighth-grader,” James said of Oatis. “One of the things I’ve been on him about a lot is he has to jump when he’s trying to finish layups. Him playing against seventh-graders last year, a lot of times he never had to jump. He’s learning as the season progresses that if he gets up off the floor, he makes himself that much more unguardable.”
Rafael Luter added nine points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting with seven rebounds, while Nick Averett also had nine points. Kentrel Bullock also made every shot he took, scoring seven points on three shots, to go along with seven boards. Javen Moses may have only had six points, but he kept the Wildcats offense rolling with six assists and no turnovers.
With the district schedule underway, James believes Columbia could make another run at a district title after going a perfect 12-0 last season despite replacing 60 percent of its starting lineup.
“If we can get ourselves together mentally, I think we’ll be OK. It’s a competitive district, but if we can match the intensity and execute, I like our chances,” he said. “I’m more concerned about us than other opponents.”
The Wildcats hosted Jefferson Davis County Tuesday night, but results were unavailable at press time. They will be on the road Friday at Wesson and Tuesday at Tylertown with both tipoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.
West Marion
Before the Trojans took on Columbia on their home court, they hosted Salem last Thursday night, but results were not available.
Head coach Mark Stringer could not be reached for comment.
The Trojans were on the road Tuesday night against Tylertown, but results were not available as of press deadline. They will head to Jeff Davis County Friday night for a 7 p.m. tipoff before hosting Loyd Star next Tuesday.
Pictured Above: Columbia High’s Nick Averett skies toward the rim for an uncontested layup in the East Marion Holiday Tournament against the Eagles. | File Photo
