Charleston gets retribution against No. 1 NMCC

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Led by a relentless offensive attack, smothering defense and a significant home-court advantage, Charleston won comfortably over New Madrid County Central on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The Bluejays (11-5) exacted revenge on the Eagles (8-4) for an early season loss, winning at CHS 77-52.

“We played a full 32-minute game,” said Charleston coach Jamarcus Williams. “The fans are always our sixth man. In loud gyms like this one, once that noise gets to a certain decibel, it feels like the fans are right on top of you. It’s motivating for the home team and like having an extra defender. It was huge playing at home tonight.”

Charleston's PJ Farmer (24) dribbles past NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) during a 77-52 win on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Charleston stormed out of the gates and seizes the momentum, jumping out to an 11-3 lead after 3-pointers from Trey Stanback and PJ Farmer, a converted 3-point play by Rico Coleman and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it score in transition by Farmer.

Jadis Jones made a pair of free throws and Kayden Minner knocked down a 3-pointer after a steal by AJ Ruff to narrow the score to 11-8, but the Bluejays came right back with back-to-back inside baskets from Coleman and Ko’Terrion Owens.

Charleston led 17-10 at the end of the first quarter after another fast break bucket from Farmer in the weaning moments of the opening quarter.

Charleston's Roy Wiley (30) drives the basket during a 77-52 win over NMCC on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“I was glad to see some shots go down early,” coach Williams said. “That was exactly what we were hoping for. We put scorers on the court early to try to build a cushion, and that’s what happened.”

For the second straight game, the Bluejays delivered some early haymakers to put the game out of reach, scoring 16 unanswered points to start the second quarter.

Almareion Williams jumpstarted the run with a short shot that was followed by three consecutive scores in transition from Farmer, Stanback and Coleman that all came off takeaways.

Charleston's Almareion Williams (20) brings the ball up the court during a 77-52 win over NMCC on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Minner made a layup with four minutes and 35 seconds until halftime to snap the Eagles' scoreless streak, but the team trailed 33-12.

“We did a pretty good rebounding and making sure they were taking difficult shots,” coach Williams said. “We knew we couldn’t give up rebound after rebound under the rim and allow them to score off our good defense. We wanted to make sure all of their shots were difficult and limit their offensive possessions to one shot. We were able to do that, get out and run a little bit. We made some transition buckets, continue to build that cushion and gain more momentum.”

BJ Williamson made a 3-pointer and Jones scored the team’s final eight points as NMCC ended the quarter on an 11-5 run to narrow the score to 42-27 at halftime. However, that was a close was the Eagles would get as the Bluejays added to their lead in the second half.

Charleston's Trey Stanback (22) and NMCC's BJ Williamson (5) compete during the Bluejays' 77-52 win on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Charleston showed off its unselfishness and knowledge of the game throughout, continuously making selfless and high-basketball IQ plays.

“This is a good group and they all know the guy beside them can score the ball,” coach Williams said. “So, there’s no reason to force the issue as far as trying to take a difficult shot when it’s not the best shot for our offense. They know that, and they’re more than willing to make the extra pass if that’s the best basketball play available.”

It’s the second straight season NMCC and Charleston, the top and third-ranked teams, respectively, in Class 3, has split their regular season matchups. But unlike last season, the team could potentially meet again in the postseason after NMCC, a final-four team in Class 4 a year ago, moved down a class.

Charleston's Ko'Terrion Owens (45) defends NMCC's Jadis Jones (10) during the Bluejays' 77-52 win on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“It was big for us to get this win,” coach Williams said. “It’s a likely possibility that we will see them again in a sectional matchup. We wanted to get this win and continue to get better as we progress through the season.”

The Bluejays finished the game with five players reaching double-digit scoring. Farmer led the team with 19, Coleman and Stanback each added 17, Almareion Williams contributed 13 and Owens chipped in 11.

“That’s one of our strengths with this group,” coach Williams said. “We have a bunch of guys who are offensive threats and can score. It’s hard for teams to key in on one or two scorers because when they do that it makes it easy for the other guys.”

Farmer also had three rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist; Coleman had five rebounds, four assists and two blocks; Stanback had two blocks, two steals, two rebounds and an assist; Almareion Williams had two assists and steal; Owens had three rebounds, two steals and an assist; and Roy Wiley finished with a team-high eight rebounds.

The Bluejays shot 57 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free throw lie.

“Our energy level was great and our focus was fantastic,” coach Williams said. “Again, it’s great having Farmer back. Stanback is one of our best defenders and played well. I never have to worry about [Coleman] being locked in for big games. He likes this atmosphere and the challenge. He did a great job tonight protecting the rim and rebounding. He was a weapon on the court offensively and defensively.”

Jones led the Eagles with a game-high 27 points, while Brayden Newsom added 12.

“I don’t know what [Jones] ended up with, but I know he had to work hard for those points,” coach Williams said. “Owens stepped up to the plate and accepted the challenge, and did a nice job of guarding him the whole game.”

Both teams will return to the hardwood on Friday, Jan. 13.

Charleston travels to Scott County Central (1-11), while NMCC is on the road at Cairo, Illinois (1-13).

CHARLESTON 77, NEW MADRID COUNTY CENTRAL 52

NMCC 10 17 9 16 — 52

Charleston 17 25 15 20 — 77

__NMCC (52) —__ Jadis Jones 27, Brayden Newsom 12, Kayden Minner 5, BJ Williamson 4, AJ Ruff 2, Julian Courtois 2. FG: 20. 10-18. F: 15. (3-pointers: Williamson 1, Miner 1. Fouled out: none.)

__Charleston (77) —__ PJ Farmer 19, Rico Coleman 17, Trey Stanback 17, Almareion Williams 13, Ko’Terrion Owens 11. FG: 30. FT: 14-18. (3-pointers: Stanback 2, Farmer 1. Fouled out: none.)