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Monarch boys closing in on conference crown

By C.R. Cumbee

Staff Writer

Manning—It took awhile for the Manning boys’ basketball team to find its rhythm, but everything seems to be clicking when it matters most.  The Monarchs are 9-12 overall, but hold a 3-1 mark in region play, putting them atop the standings.

“One of the things that changed was that we got healthy.  We had some nagging injuries that were bothering us, but the kids finally got their legs back under them.  We’re better understanding schemes and what to do on defense and we’ve also settled on a rotation so everyone knows their role,” head coach Jabari Deas said.

Leading the way for Manning is all state wing Phillip Henry, who averages 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks per game.  The senior athlete has college offers in football, basketball and track.

“He’s one of the guys that is starting to play a lot better.  He had a groin injury early on, but he’s played a lot better of late.  He commands the game and gets people in the right position and gets good shots for his teammates.  He’s been playing for me for four years so he’s like another coach on the floor.  He’s just a special talent,” Deas said.

Five other players have rotated into the starting lineup this year, including center Jerrell Frierson, forward Jamal Keels, and guards Daniel Pendergrass, Rochar Witherspoon and Breshawn Pendergrass.

Forwards Dontravius Witherspoon and Cameron Darley along with wing Jire Brunson are key reserves.  Also on the roster is Logan Lane, Jason Baxter and Jalen Hamilton.

“We’ve got better depth now and use a solid rotation of guys, so I think that has kept us fresher in the fourth quarter.  We’re not making those tired, mental mistakes that we were making early in the year that cost us some games,” Deas said.

Manning will look to lock up the region championship during the last two weeks of the regular season.  They host Lake City then travel to Timberland before ending the year against Andrews and Kingstree.

“The second time around is always tougher because teams have a feel for what you like to do.  Then it all comes down to execution on both ends of the floor.  We have to be mentally in the game for four quarters,” Deas said.

 

 

l and 3-1 in Region 7-AA.

"We really controlled the football game, but early in the fourth quarter they had a chance to pick the football off and tie us up.   The field conditions allowed both teams to be a little more careful with field position because there was some mud on the field.   Andrews played extremely well and we had four turnovers so it was a closer game than we thought it was going to be," head coach Robbie Briggs said.

Running back Marcos Pearson had a big night for the Monarchs, rushing for 218 yards and a pair of scores on 32 carries.   Dayshawn Dixon gained 45 yards on 10 attempts with a touchdown.   Quarterback Brandon Miller connected with tight end Dexter Morant for an 11-yard scoring strike and placekicker J.C. Harrington made all four of his extra point attempts.

Heading into the final game of the season, there is still a lot on the line for Manning.   They host Waccamaw this week, with both teams tied for second place in conference play.   Not only will the winner have bragging rights for the next year, but also earn a first-round home playoff game.

"Waccamaw is a good football team.   They run that spread offense and have some quality skill people.   They're very physical up front on the offensive line and they make you defend the entire field.   We're going to prepare for this game like we've prepared for all of them, one day at a time," Briggs said.

Once the playoffs begin, anything can happen.   The biggest concern for Briggs and his staff now is the health of the players.   They've already had several veterans miss significant action during the year due to injury and can ill afford to have that happen

"We just want the kids to stay focused and stay healthy.   We had a stretch there mid-season where a lot of our kids were out and we need them to be ready for the playoffs," Briggs said.

One key player that has come back strong from an injury is John Fulton.   The highly-regarded prospect has made an impact on offense, defense and special teams since his return.

"John is a two-way player so that takes care of two men on the field.   He makes you defend the whole field because you have to know where he is on every play.   Defensively he's been really solid for us the last month and on special teams he is a quality returner.   He does the little things that most people don't appreciate," Briggs said.

Overall if Manning wants to make a deep run in the postseason they will have to continue to pound the football on the ground and keep it secure.   If they don't minimize their mistakes, they could find themselves sitting at home in late November.

"The offensive line has played well the last two weeks and we feel like we've found our identity on offense, being a little more physical than the first few weeks.   We're real pleased with that, but we still have to limit our turnovers.   We've had 10 turnovers in the last three region games and only created two turnovers in that same span," Briggs said.