Fast-pace offense leads Jemison over Isabella
Published 11:08 pm Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Isabella’s varsity boys struggled from the start to keep pace with Jemison’s fast-break offense. The result was a 79-29 blowout win as the Panthers improved to 4-2 on the season.
Jemison opened the game with a 17-2 scoring run that was fueled by a string of transition baskets.
“We’re a pretty decent team when they share the basketball,” Jemison head coach Stacy McGehee said. “We preach that we’ve got to play defense, rebound, and attack the basket. If we do those three things, we have a chance to be successful.”
Ryan Thompson of Jemison shoots a shot in the paint over Jordan Campball of Isabella. (photo by Brandon Sumrall / Special)
McGehee shuffled players in and out of the game with no apparent drop off in production on the court.
“We’re playing 10 [players] in a pretty strong rotation,” McGehee said. “That has enabled us to keep running and hopefully wear people down. We’ve very fortunate.”
Often times, the fast break was started by a turnover at the opposite end of the court. Converting defense into quick points places a lot of responsibility and decision-making for those on the court.
“We’ve got a bunch of chemistry,” Jemison senior point guard Mathew Ramsey said. “Everybody can play with anybody. After we get a rebound, that’s the first thing that we look for,” Ramsey said.
The structured system that McGehee continues to implement is beginning to take shape and the evidence is present that it has become embraced throughout the roster.
“It helps against teams that aren’t use to getting back defensively,” McGehee said. “A lot of times our offense comes off of our defense. Most teams will stop for a second, and that’s when we want to take advantage down the court.”
James Leachman ignited the home crowd with a transition dunk that showcased his leaping ability. He finished with 11 points in the game and was one of five players in double-figure scoring.
The second half was much of the same as the Panthers outscored Isabella 29-10 thanks to reliable shooting from beyond the arc. Jemison made five three-pointers on the night.
Jemison’s Ryan Thompson led all scorers with a game-high 18 points, while Austin Brasher was a bright side for Isabella with a team-high seven points.
Earlier Tuesday evening, Jemison’s junior varsity boys also defeated Isabella 21-16 in a defensive showdown.
The Panthers led 12-11 at the halftime break, and the contest remained close until late in the fourth quarter.
Kaleb Baue scored a team-high eight points to lead the Panthers to victory.
