Tigers already a step ahead of last season

The time may never be better to say it:

Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

After a 4-21 season, the Central Tigers have taken on a more jolly demeanor, already equaling last year's win total entering the seMissourian Christmas Tournament.

Central improved its record to 5-2 with a win Friday at Farmington, its second defeat of the Knights this season.

The Tigers, one of the area's most height-deprived teams last season, have been making the most of an unexpected offseason gift -- 6-foot-8 transfer student Scott Chestnutt.

A sophomore who never played high school basketball, Chestnutt already has scored 32 points in a game. More importantly, he's given the Tigers an inside presence.

With a force in the middle, the previously dwarfed Tigers aren't sure how to act.

"We're still getting adjusted to having a 6-8 kid in the middle," said Central second-year coach Derek McCord, looking for more cohesion on offense.

One thing the Tigers have been doing is winning, and it could make the Tigers a dangerous team entering the tournament.

"We've got a chance to get on a little roll here," McCord said. "And hopefully we can carry some momentum into the tournament."

Increased confidence has allowed the Tigers to extricate themselves from some tough situations, like an eight-point halftime deficit to Doniphan in the Sikeston Tournament. Last year the Tigers probably would have lost, but this year it turned into a four-point victory.

"This year we've shown resiliency and bounce back and come right at 'em," McCord said. "That showed me that night that this is a changed team and a team that is starting to grow up and mature. They now understand that hard work pays off in practice."

While Chestnutt, who averages 15 points and 5.7 rebounds, has been a great addition, the Tigers generally are much the same team as last year but with a year of experience and more physical maturing.

Ryan Delph, a 5-11 guard who averages a team-high 18.5 points and 5.8 rebounds, leads a talented group of juniors who had to learn on the job last year. Junior point guard Will Johnson has been maturing in his play, and the Tigers have been getting strong, inspiring minutes out of junior forward Jake Knepp.

Forward Anthony Harris is the only senior in the starting lineup but is one of several to make valuable contributions, including Jay Ruark, Willie Colon and Corey Bowman.

"Last year we were the youngest team on the block, and this year our guys have grown up a little bit," McCord said. "We seem to understand the game a little more. We seem to play a little bit better defense. I think before the season is over, I think we have a chance to be really good."

The Tigers will also get a boost from junior Mitch Craft and senior Monroe Hicks, who recently became eligible after joining the team late. Both played key roles on the football team and will give the Tigers increased depth for the tournament.

"They're already paying off in practice," McCord said.

Central, seeded fourth, opens the tournament with 13-seeded Leopold.

"I think it will be a good challenge for us," McCord said. "Charleston, athletically, may be ahead of everyone right now, but other than that, I think the thing is pretty much wide open."

jbreer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 124