The Chargers basketball team opened its season Thursday, Oct. 17, with a win over New Rock Prep.
Under new head coach Reco Dawson, several key players stood out. Justin Rushin (#0), Landen Williams (#2), Ted Tzavarus (#13) and Ja’Kenes Heard (#25) combined for 31 points, five steals, four rebounds and an assist.
Heard entered the game after an offensive foul by Joshua Cooper (#21) to keep Cooper out of foul trouble. Heard scored on a fast break following a turnover caused by a travel violation. He later grabbed a rebound that led to a basket by Devan Lonon (#23), making the score 18-33.
With 2:23 left in the first half, a turnover by New Rock Prep allowed Tzavarus to hit a wide-open three-pointer. Near the end of the half, a shooting foul by New Rock Prep and two missed free throws by Lonon set up the final play: a three-pointer by New Rock Prep. The Chargers led 40-21 at halftime.
New Rock Prep started the second half with the ball. The Chargers answered with a basket to extend their lead to 40-23. Later, a three-point play by FeRoyre High of New Rock Prep made it 46-29.
With 11:13 left in the game, Rushin stole the ball and dunked on the fast break, making it 52-31. New Rock Prep scored on the next possession to make it 52-33.
With 9:43 left, Heard’s tip-in was ruled a shot clock violation, but he later hustled to grab a rebound and prevent a turnover. Rushin stole the ball again but did not convert on the fast break.
New Rock Prep cut the lead to 56-38, but Rushin assisted Williams on a transition basket to push the Chargers past 60 points. Williams showed his determination with a basket while falling after tripping over a New Rock Prep player.
The final notable plays included a transition basket by Rushin and two free throws after a foul by New Rock Prep. The Chargers won 75-48.
Coach Dawson credited the GHC Jamboree on Oct. 10 with helping prepare the team. “When you play these kinds of scrimmage games, it always helps you to work on different situations. That Jamboree prepared us a little bit more. Anytime you can get live game reps, it’s a plus moving forward into the season,” Dawson said.
He also praised Braylen Smith, a Division I transfer, for his effort in practice. “Braylen Smith has to get better at being himself. When you get in these games and look at the opponent and think they’re lesser, you take them for granted. He has to dominate whoever he plays,” Dawson said.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, Oct. 22, against Shorter, Dawson emphasized preparation. “We’re going to continue to work on the things that we work on. We’re going to control the things we can control and go from there. Our league is tough, with a lot of size, but we have to get better quickly. We’ll keep working on the things we know we can improve,” he said.
All home games for the Chargers take place in the Floyd Campus gym and are also streamed live on the Charger Sports Network.
Come support the Chargers and see how long they can continue their undefeated run.
