Columbia Academy (10-10) had been playing up-and-down basketball through the first 18 games of the season, but the Cougars showed some improved consistency last weekend.
Head coach Dale Watts recognized a few weeks ago that the Cougars need to employ a different strategy when matched up with better competition. This version of the Cougars is not set up to outscore teams but plays at their best when they spread the floor and control the tempo of the game.
It began Friday night at home against a talented Sumrall team as the Cougars held the Bobcats to just 26 points in a 13-point victory.
Tate Duncan paced the Cougars with a game-high 17 points, while Owen Harper added 12 and Ras Pace chipped in eight. Sumrall had just one player score more than four points as Dannis Jackson led the way with 10 points for the Bobcats.
“We had to really control the game, so we kept the score the down. Our best defense was our offense. We extended the game and had long possessions,” Watts said. “Then we were able to capitalize and score on those possessions. I was really pleased with our guys. They did a super job of controlling the tempo. We say it’s easy to pass and catch, but it’s not easy to pass and catch when the opponent is getting after you. The guys really handled the ball well, made good decisions and kept Sumrall off base.”
That defensive prowess, accompanied by a balanced offense, continued on the road Saturday night with a 72-27 win over Centreville Academy to get the Cougars back to .500 on the season.
Harper had his way down low with 16 points, while Duncan (15 points), Peyton Rowell (11) and Pace (nine) gave the Cougars offense from the perimeter.
“We just overmatched (Centreville). Defensively, we could hold them down to where they couldn’t score,” Watt said.
Duncan has been scoring with more consistency the past few weeks, and there are a number of factors as to why, according to Watts.
“This group is getting a little more confidence in each other, and Tate has put himself in good positions several times when the pass getting to him is in the right spot,” he said. “So (Duncan has) been able to catch the ball in stride and finish. He’s getting more into the rhythm of the game and getting his shot back.”
The Cougars began district play Tuesday night against Wayne Academy (results unavailable) as they kick off the most important three weeks of their season. Watts said that while he hasn’t watch a lot of film on Columbia Academy’s district opponents, he likes the Cougars chances from what he has seen.
“I feel like we have some better players or at least I’m hoping so,” he said. “Now is the time for us to be coming together offensively, and that will be a big deal for us in these three weeks of district play.”
The Cougars will head to Franklinton, La., Friday night in another district game against Bowling Green. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Pictured Above: Ethan Stringer makes a layup in transition. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
