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Jaguars surging as season winds down

By C.R. Cumbee

Staff Writer

Ridgeland—After a rough start to the 2011-12 season, the Ridgeland boys’ basketball team turned things around.  The Jaguars are 10-8 overall and are tied for second place in the region with a 7-3 mark.

“Right now our goal is to finish no worse than second in the region.  If we can’t finish first, we’d like to be able to at least get a home playoff game and take it from there,” head coach Jeremiah Faber said.  “The biggest thing now is to hold serve and win at home.  We have to continue to communicate and stay focused, take one game at a time and get better with every practice.  We’re helping each other on both ends of the floor and that has to continue if we’re going to do well in the playoffs.”

The Jaguars recently had a seven-game winning streak, which was due in large part to a change in attitude.

“It was all about the commitment and the communication.  We came together as a team and got that chemistry.  The turning point for us came against Allendale.  We were down 18-1 after the first quarter but had a chance to win the game in the final minute.  Then we put some good wins together and were able to find a good rotation,” Faber said.

Leading that rotation has been senior guard/forward Torray Amlett, who averages 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals per game.

“He’s been in the program he was a freshman.  He knows what we need and can make adjustments out on the floor.  He can call out the defense or a set play.  He’s got a high basketball IQ.  He’s been a go-to guy for us and we have a lot of confidence in him.  He’s like another coach on the floor out there,” Faber said.

Joining Amlett in the starting lineup is forward Tyji Michaels, forward Derrick Solomon and guards Terrance Frazier and Jeremiah Nelson. 

Key reserves include Xavier Capers, C.J. Mitchell, Maurice Dargan, Hamilton Harris, Anthony Polite and D.J. Myers.  Aaron Taylor and Keandrea Frazier are also on the roster.

Ridgeland hosts three of its final four remaining games, contests with Allendale-Fairfax, Bethune-Bowman, Estill and Hardeeville.

Contact C.R. at crcumbee2007@hotmail.com.

 

e bit with the sets and the kids are still feeling their way around.  Hopefully we'll get that worked out, but so far I'm pleased with the direction we're heading on both ends of the floor," Faber said.
Currently in the starting lineup is point guard Xavier Roberts, wing Aundraye Robinson, center Juwan Huger and power forward Torray Amlett.  Tevin Stevenson is in at the shooting guard position for Brent Walker, last season's leading scorer who hasn't played yet due to an injury.
"When Brent returns our offense will be more versatile and will open up other channels.  Right now we're relying on driving to the basket and distributing the ball.  With him on the floor, he can penetrate and kick or he can finish at the rim or create his own shot.  That's what we're missing right now," Faber said.
One of the biggest keys to the Jaguars' success this season may be depth.  Faber has not been shy when it comes to substituting, running as many as 12 players into the game on a nightly basis.
Jaque Polite, Wilden Polite, Isaiah Tompkins, Devonte Moon, Octavius Wright, Malik Mitchell and Medicus Deloach have all gotten significant minutes early on.  Maurice Dargan, Javon Patterson and Darren Clark are also on the roster.
Ridgeland will continue to test itself when it hosts Beaufort before traveling to Burke High to play in the Modie Risher Tournament Dec. 27-30.  If they are to be successful, it will be because of defense.
"Defense has always been the cornerstone of our success over the years and when I look at the four wins we've had this season, our defense has been the key," Faber said.