The East Marion Eagles (6-2) rebounded from a humbling loss to Laurel two weeks ago with wins over Jefferson Davis County and West Marion (4-4) last week.
Though the Eagles entered the fourth quarter only up eight points last Tuesday, they stretched their lead in the final stanza for a 76-59 road win over Jeff Davis.
East Marion’s depth played a big role in being able to harass the Jaguars into 21 turnovers, according to head coach Calvin Brown, but improving the Eagles team defense inside is a focus.
“Our defensive activity and energy I thought took a toll on them over four quarters,” he said. “There’s still a lot we’re not doing defensively, especially at the rim. People are beating us off the dribble entirely too much and at the rim, we’re always going for the shot block instead of trying to take a charge or contest. We’re athletic and have some depth, and over four quarters that takes its toll, but there’s definitely some things we have to clean up.”
John Rawls led the way with 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, Flenard McLin added 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals and Vashon Sims had 12 points and seven rebounds.
Friday night at West Marion, it was a story of two teams with vastly different strengths clashing with East Marion cruising to a 79-40 win over the Trojans.
East Marion is loaded with size and athleticism and can go anywhere from eight to 10-deep in its rotation without sacrificing those advantages. Meanwhile, the Trojans lack length — a big key on the hardwood — and have to rely on their speed and quickness to run past opponents.
West Marion guards Cyrus Thompson and Qavonte Swanigan both had their moments throughout the game with dizzying spin moves to get into the paint and provided a few highlight plays, but both were met at the rim several times by the length of John and Caleb Rawls, along with Sims.
John Rawls has been the focal point of the Eagles for a few seasons now, and it’s always been about who else would contribute. Last season, it was a handful of different role players who rose to the occasion at different points of the season. This year, it’s looking more and more like there is a legitimate pecking order of Rawls then McLin and Sims as 2A and 2B, depending on the matchups on any given night. It hasn’t mattered — and likely won’t — if either emerges as the surefire No. 2 option for the Eagles as long as both consistently deliver when their number is called, which they have through East Marion’s first eight games.
“They create matchup problems, and it’s really hard to stay in front of them. Mac just has a knack for making plays; he has great playmaking instincts. Vashon has a lot of natural talent — the things you can’t teach — and he has a lot of them.”
While Sims is already displaying that talent as a 6-foot-2 freshman averaging 13.8 points per game and has the potential to put together a historic career at East Marion, Brown doesn’t want Sims to get ahead of himself.
“There’s a lot of hurdles in front of him and (potential) distractions. He’s really talented, but there’s still a lot to be done over four years to max it out,” he said. “So far so good, though. He’s a level-headed kid, humble and hungry, but to stay that way for four years can be a challenge.”
John Rawls had a game-high 25 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, while Sims had a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds. Caleb Rawls added 11 points and seven rebounds and Devin Daniels chipped in nine points and three steals coming off the bench. Although McLin had just six points, he effected the game in other ways with six rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Although the Eagles have a lot to be excited about with an impressive supply of length, athleticism and youth littering their roster, Brown knows that leaning on those advantages could hinder them, particularly if injuries or foul trouble limit their depth.
“It’s actually very dangerous. Luxuries can get you spoiled,” he said. “When those luxuries aren’t at your disposal, you don’t know how to function. Instead of depending on those luxuries we need to clean some things up and start doing things the way we’re expected to do them.”
East Marion will host Columbia Thursday night at 8:30 in a rematch of the 51-50 thriller that kicked off December, and the Eagles are excited for the challenge.
“It’s a rivalry and we intentionally play them on the first night of our tournament to make sure our seniors get a chance to play them on our home court,” Brown said. “Coach James does a great job over there, and we’re proud of his success. It’s a friendly rivalry, but it’s exciting.”
West Marion stats were not available as of press deadline Tuesday. The Trojans will not return to the court until after the holidays, hosting Salem Jan. 4.
Pictured Above: Flenard McLin squares up for a mid-range jumper. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
