Inexperienced players, and one vet, have Charleston hoops rolling again

If the legendary Missourian Mark Twain covered high school athletics throughout the Bootheel today, he very well may pen that the “reports of the death of Charleston High School boy’s basketball are greatly exaggerated.”

The Blue Jays graduated (or transferred out) 60 of its 75 points from a year ago, but somehow have overcome a lack of experience to field a very competitive group – again.

“… these guys are battling every day and want to earn minutes,” Blue Jay coach Jamarcus Williams said earlier this season. “That is what we need.”

Charleston has won five of its seven games, with the latest victory being a convincing 66-44 win at Kennett on Friday.

Williams’ group is ranked No. 9 in the latest Class 3 state rankings, and the play of several inexperienced players, including junior guard Tayshon Clark is a big reason why.

“I’m going to turn Tayshon into a leader,” Williams said of the emerging young player, who is in his first season of varsity basketball.

The growth of Clark will be a process, not a moment, as it is with any player.

In games against Horn Lake (Miss.), Dexter, and Notre Dame, Clark looked and played beyond his experience level. However, in games against New Madrid County Central and the recent win over the Indians, games in which he has made just two of 21 shots, he played like he probably should have, given his experience level, at times.

“One of my concerns with Clark, with him having limited experience, and seeing him come up through our (junior varsity) program,” Williams said following the recent win over Notre Dame, “I was worried about his maturity. But he hasn’t shown a sign of immaturity this season.”

In the win over Kennett, three seniors, Zachryan Thomas, Owen Willis, and Ko’Terrion Owens carried the Blue Jays.

Thomas made half of his 14 shots and finished with 15 points while Willis sank 7 of his 10 shots for 14 points and also pulled down seven boards.

In the case of Owens, the key returning Charleston varsity player this season, he was once again dominant.

Owens scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

A year ago, Clark was teaming with junior post Deshaun Henderson, who had nine rebounds against Kennett, on the Blue Jay junior varsity squad, and they should serve as an example for younger players because of that.

How a player improves is by playing, and it is better to get minutes at the junior varsity level, as opposed to sitting on the bench at the varsity level.

“I think (junior varsity basketball) is undervalued,” Williams said. “It definitely gives those guys a chance to create some chemistry amongst each other. They know what their teammates like to do. We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“We try to put each other in positions to be successful.”

Despite his shooting woes against Kennett, Clark did manage to focus on what he could do well, which was be a playmaker.

He led the Blue Jays with three assists, which was half of what the entire team had.

“That (passing ability) just comes from playing,” Williams said. “Tayshon likes to play basketball.”

Charleston will get more opportunities to grow over the next nine days, as it is off until facing No. 14-seed Advance in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Dec. 26 at noon.

The Blue Jays were seeded seventh in the event.