Bobcats overcome slow start to win region title
Bobcats overcome slow start to win region title
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Lake City - There’s an old coaching adage that says “It’s not so much how you start but more about how you finish.” The Carolina Academy boys basketball team is living proof this season.
After opening the season with a 2-7 record against a tough early schedule, the Bobcats put it all together, winning their last nine games, including an 8-0 march through the conference schedule, Carolina won the region championship and look forward to the SCISA Class AA state payoffs.
“I felt like we were better than our early record,” coach Robert Phillips said. “Our early schedule was very difficult and we came into this season with some holes to fill. I thought we competed well but we had to change a few things that I thought would help us. The kids bought in and we have played pretty solid basketball since January. It’s a credit to the guys.”
The changes made came in the defensive mindset overall and stressing good decision-making offensively. The Bobcats do not typically light up the scoreboard but the defensive intensity and execution have been a strength.
“We’re going to pick up man-to-man at halfcourt and try to disrupt the other team’s offense,” the coach said. “It’s a tough mindset and these are tough kids that will do whatever it takes to win.”
The team leader on the floor this season is senior point guard Landon Turner, who leads the team in scoring at 13 points per game but does so much more, according to Phillips.
“He’s our guy, our go-to,” the coach said. “He does everything well and is a real steady player. He will guard the other team’s best offensive player and still has the energy to do what he does offensively.”
Junior Walker McCutcheon is another key player as a defender and rebounder. He averages about nine points per game. Senior center Michael Wyatt contributes as a post defender and rebounder.
Junior Cole Tanner has provided a spark off the bench, particularly as a defender and long range shooter.
Other seniors on the roster include Mason Huggins, Blanding Franks, Daniel McKenzie, and Thomas McDaniel.
Rounding out the team are juniors Ryan Cox, Chandler Prosser, Charlie Teal, Lane Edwards and Hendley Campbell.
In terms of the state tournament, Phillips cannot predict what will happen due to a lack of knowledge of possible opponents. The playoffs are a crap shoot.
“I think it all depends on matchups, how we match up with our personnel,” he said. “We’re all in the same boat. It comes down to playing your best at the end. We can play with any team when we are playing well. Hopefully we can bring that when it counts. I like this team.”
